Zorion back in the winning groove for Bolger/Manning

Zorion got back to winning ways when justifying strong support in the John R Fitzpatrick Agricultural Contractor Handicap at Leopardstown.

The son of Smart Strike, very lightly-raced since a wide-margin winner on his only juvenile start at Roscommon, is a full-brother to Zip Top who finished second to Camelot in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster back in 2011.

The Jim Bolger-trained colt was available at 14/1 but was backed down at all rates before racing to go off a 13/2 chance.

Kevin Manning ’s mount was prominent throughout in this seven-furlong event, and soon asserted after leading at the furlong pole to score by a length and three quarters.

The runner-up Ishebayorgrey was also the medium of strong support (14/1 into 17/2) and kept on well from off the pace to take the runner-up spot. Honor Oak was a further half a length away in third, with Settle For Bay completing the places in fourth.

Bolger said, “He can go over seven furlongs or a mile, and he could drop back to six as well. Hopefully there is another one in him.”