Arctic Gale sees off Can't Resist It© Photo Healy Racing
Put in 8/11 overnight, Arctic Gale was the only horse punters wanted to know about in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Flat Race and the Emmet Mullins-trained favourite duly delivered at odds of 4/11.
Always prominent under Derek O'Connor, the hotpot went on with Can't Resist It inside the final quarter-mile and just had to be shaken up to see off that rival by three and three-quarter lengths.
Ray Barron picked up a seven-day ban for improper riding after his mount, fourth home Tankardstown Lady, came off the rail and impeded eventual third Royal Cave inside the final furlong.
Mullins said of Mrs Antoinette Mee's winner: “He was very green in Galway and probably showed a bit of greenness again there but Derek said he was as strong at the line as he was anywhere up the straight.
“It's great to get that win into him before the ground gets too heavy. I'm not sure whether we'll put him away now, we'll see how he comes out of it.
“We might put him away and bring him back for hurdles next year on spring/summer ground. He might take up a bumper engagement in the spring before going over hurdles next season.
“He's only four and definitely a staying type. He's exciting, he has good form in the book — a two and a one, we'll take it.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
