Well-backed Resiliency justifies favouritism

The well-backed Resiliency got off the mark on his third career start as he took the last at Down Royal, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, scoring under Billy Lee for David Wachman.

The chestnut son of Mastercraftsman finished second behind Belisarius on his debut at Dundalk in April (subsequent winner Captain Teemo behind him), while he disappointed on his next start at Navan when upped in trip to a mile and five.

Back over a mile and two today he was sent off the 6/4 favourite, having opened at 5/2 on-course (available at 7/2 this morning).

Prominent throughout he raced mainly in second and was ridden from two furlongs out.

He had a good battle with the front-running Zarawi and newcomer Ceoldrama from there, shaking off the former a furlong from home before keeping on best in the closing stages to see off the latter by half a length at the line.

Ceoldrama was returned an 8/1 chance under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger, while Shemshal kept on to take third, a further two and a half lengths back under Fran Berry for Tony Martin at 9/4.

Billy Lee said afterwards: "He had a very nice run the first day. We always liked him and thought a lot of him and he stays well. I don't know what happened him the last day.”

Additional reporting by Michael Graham