Tony The Gent scores for Lyons/Keane

Tony The Gent showed the benefit of a couple of outings this year when coming to the boil in the Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises Handicap at the Curragh.

The 6/1 chance was driven to the front just inside the final furlong by Colin Keane, and kept on gamely to beat Mizaah by half a length. Aussie Valentine finished a further length and a quarter back in third.

The Ger Lyons-trained gelding was recording his third career win and, having won at Galway last July, it is not surprising to learn that he will again be heading to the big summer Festival.

Lyons’ brother and assistant Shane said, ““We kept him nice and fresh. We were keeping him for the Galway Mile as he runs well in Galway but this is not to be sniffed at. We said we'd be delighted if he could take this and anything after that would be a bonus.

“The next place he'll go is Galway because he acts around there, not a lot of horses act around Galway but he does. He loves going right-handed and loves a bit of juice.

“The way he won there, he took a little bit of time to warm up. He gave all the signs that a step up in trip in time will be no problem to him.

“We'll freshen him up for the Galway Mile first then a mile-and-one or a mile-and-two will be on the cards. We'll keep to these premier handicaps all day long. He's genuine and we need those type of horses in the yard.”

Keane said, “It was a good competitive handicap and my lad was very game and stuck at it well. He’s a bit better going right-handed or with the rail on his right.”

(GC & AM)