Yashin pips Point as Emily disappoints

Yashin flew home to pip Point King in a cracking finish to the Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes at Leopardstown tonight as odds-on favourite Emily Dickinson disappointed in the Group 3 contest.

The 2/5 market leader was taken on early for the lead in the mile-six contest but was in front after a couple of furlongs.

She was asked to stretch early in the straight but folded inside the final furlong as Point King came to grab the lead.

Shane Foley conjured a late burst from Yashin though as the Churchill gelding swooped late to get up on the line for a short-head success.

Jessica Harrington 's charge was making his seasonal debut and attracted some support from 25/1 into 14/1.

The four-year-old was taking his first step into stakes company having won two handicaps last year.

“The autumn plan would be the Melbourne Cup but he'd have to get up a good bit to get to there,” said Harrington.

“He stays well and he has to have good ground. We think he likes going left handed.

“He was stuck wide there and keen all the way. Shane said he had no right to pick up and win like he did.

“I know it was only a short head but he was always getting there.

“I genuinely thought he would run very well. He didn't run in the Vintage Crop because of the soft ground. He should probably have been going for the Ladies handicap tonight!”

Kate Harrington added:- “We could have waited for the Group 3 at the Curragh next week but when the ground was good here, the way he likes it, that was key.

“He could go to the Curragh Cup on Irish Oaks weekend. We'll plot a plan as he likes a bit of time between his races.

“The Melbourne Cup is Gerry (Byrne's) dream. He bred him and it's the first horse he's bred, the mare is back in foal to Churchill.”