Vastonea (grey, Chris Hayes) couldn't find a way past Chance To Dance and Kevin Manning© Photo Healy Racing
Last year's Irish Derby winning handler Jim Bolger may be without representation this year but he started the weekend in some style at the Curragh with a 306/1 treble.
Two of the three were ridden by Kevin Manning, including the one that completed the hat-trick, Chance To Dance in the Silken Thomas Kildare Town & Lock 13 Sallins Handicap.
This Teofilo gelding is a lovely progressive type and favourite backers were happy as he travelled at his ease to the business end.
The four-year-old had to be tough though to repel Vastonea who had come with what looked like a very threatening challenge.
However, once right up against the rail, Chance To Dance found plenty to prevail by three parts of a length.
He was adding to the earlier gains for Coolcullen with Feach Ar Agaidh and News At Six (Ronan Whelan).
"He's versatile from six furlongs to a mile and a half. He could go for a premier handicap somewhere now," commented Bolger.
G.F. Carroll, rider of Jazz Girl trained by A. Oliver, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount had to check late in the home straight.
(GC & EM)
