Corballis Flyer (no.8) and Rory Cleary come home in front © Photo Healy Racing
Less than half a length covered the first four home in the Castletroy 3-y-o Handicap, and it was the first-time blinkered Corballis Flyer (12/1) who gained a hard-fought victory.
The James Barrett-trained gelding, a half-brother to former stable stalwart Lake George, travelled well in mid-division before coming through to dispute the lead a furlong out.
He found enough under pressure to edge ahead in the closing stages and just withstood the challenges of Dagaoda (6/1) and 13/8 favourite Dynakite by a head and a short head. The latter, who once again didn’t get the clearest of runs, was finishing in the bronze medal position for the third time in six days. Li Mu Bai was just a further head back in fourth spot.
The winner had shown up well when fourth on handicap debut at Cork before a disappointing effort last time at Naas.
The going description was changed to yielding (from good, good to yielding in places) after the opener following morning rainfall.
Winning rider Rory Cleary said: "He is a grand, fine big horse, and travelled really strong and it brought him into the race really well.
"The bit of rain that has fallen is after helping him and he had a good run two runs back and has the blinkers on today.
"Hopefully there'll be another handicap or two in him and he went all the way to the line well."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
