Halimi (blue colours) beats Spruce Meadows© Photo Healy Racing
Halimi (7/1) completed a treble for Jim Bolger in the last three races at Naas when taking the Inns Of Court Handicap by two and a quarter lengths from Spruce Meadows (7/1). Xcite (12/1) was another two and a half lengths away in third, with the well-backed favourite Perfect Tapatino (6s into 7/2 on course) back in fourth.
The winner, a tough sort by Teofilo, won twice over a mile and a half in mid-summer at the Curragh and Galway, and has kept his form well since then.
Dropping in trip to 1m 2f but sharpened by first-time cheekpieces, he was never far from the leaders, took over two furlongs out and stayed on in resolute fashion for Kevin Manning, who was recording a double of his own.
“He’s an improving horse and will probably be around for next year, said winning trainer Jim Bolger
“We will have a look at the November Handicap back here in two weeks.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
