Band Width has the measure of Messa Concertata close home© Photo Healy Racing
Band Width bounced back to form in the extended five furlong median auction race at Sligo, a track he clearly loves.
He patently didn't give his true running when last in a valuable handicap at Naas but, restored to the track he shed his maiden tag at in May, it was a different story today.
He was in touch behind the leaders at the halfway stage and came with his challenge entering the home straight.
Ronan Whelan got into the drive position over a furlong out and Band Width made good headway to loom large on Messa Concertata with 150 yards to race.
He picked her off in the final 50 yards and kept on best to score by half a length at 9/2. Runner-up Messa Concertata went off the same price and was a length and three quarters in front of Dutch Glory (6/1).
Trainer Andy Oliver said: “We ran him back quickly after his maiden win here and it didn’t work out, and then we decided we’d geld him.
“I wasn’t quite sure if he’d be fit enough. He’s only back cantering two or three weeks and this was a race I only spotted at the last moment. Conditions suited us and he has won here before, so it all worked out well.
“He seemed to miss the break but he came home well and when he got to the front he just did enough. It should bring him forward as well and hopefully there’s a bit more to come.”
Band Width is now two from two at Sligo.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
