Avellino off the mark over timber in style Avellino justified her short price with an effortless victory in the opening maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe. Dermot McLoughlin's charge was sent to post a 2/7 shot for the two-mile one-furlong contest after the withdrawal of chief market rival The Big Lense this morning. Mark Enright tracked the leaders on the hotpot before moving up to challenge two from home. The Muhtathir mare hit the front rounding the top bend and cruised to an 18-length victory over Warrior Assassin. The winner had landed two bumpers a couple of seasons ago and had been placed on both outings over timber this year. "She loved the jumping and the ground and he said she put the race to bed very quick," said McLoughlin. "She was entitled to do that and she's a strong traveller on that ground. "There's a grand race for her — 0 to 130 fillies only — in about three to four weeks back here that could suit next." (Quotes by Eamonn Murphy)
