Tonkinese sees off short-priced favourite

Tonkinese did it from the front and saw off Radiantly who was trying an extended mile and one for the first time in Gowran Park.

Just the three horses went to post for this median auction race and it was Radiantly who dominated the market at 2/5 with Tonkinese 2/1 and Pretty Love the 100/1 outsider.

Shane Foley popped Tonkinese away from the stalls and the pair set out to make all.

Radiantly and Billy Lee tracked them in second and moved closer approaching the three pole.

The favourite travelled well into the straight as Tonkinese was driven along over two furlongs out.

Radiantly was soon almost on terms but Tonkinese wasn't for passing and he dropped his rival with a furlong to go.

Billy Lee got after Radiantly but she was unable to threaten Tonkinese at the business end and kept on at the same pace to be beaten by two and a quarter lengths.

Pretty Love was a further five and a half lengths back in third.

Handler Michael Halford said: “He’s straightforward and you can let him bowl along. It was nice to find an opportunity like this and these races are good for horses that are not quite up to black-type level.

"A mile and a half was a bit too far the last day and I’d say a mile and a quarter is his ideal trip. He’s kept busy leading Portage at home and he does a good job of that.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee