John Murtagh warmed up for his attractive mount on Six Perfections in the Entenmanns Irish 1,000 Guineas when successful on another odds-on chance at Cork. Masandam was backed as if defeat was out of the question in the median auction mile maiden, but punters had to sweat before collecting.
The Aga Khan's home-bred colt bidded to make all but, having been headed by Hazelhatch in the straight, dug deep in the final 100 yards to record a half length verdict. The pair drew 20 lengths clear of the remainder.
Shallee looks one to follow over the summer months when slamming his 16 rivals in the three miles beginners chase. Charles Byrnes' charge was well-backed just before the off from 7/2 down to 9/4 and, after making alot of the running under Norman Williamson, drew clear in the straight to beat Heroic by 25 lengths.
Heroic's rider David Casey went one better in the following two miles handicap hurdle when getting Mister Kilford up in the closing stages to pip The West Road by half a length.
Supreme Touch gained compensation for a last fence fall at Gowran Park the previous week when taking the mares chase. The eight-year-old made virtually all under Robert Power, and kept on well to beat Berkeley Bay by 11 lengths with favourite Glens Music weakening after three out to finish fourth.
'We schooled her at Fairyhouse yesterday and she jumped brilliant. The plan was to stretch them as all she does is stays, and she'll go out in a field now and we can look forward to next season,' said trainer Denise Foster.
Niall McCullagh moved onto the 13 winner mark for the season when getting National Honour up in the final strides to beat the front-running Lady Kia by a neck in the seven furlong handicap. Patrick Prendergast, saddling a winner here for the second successive week, said, 'He is a real good worker at home but you always come to the racecourse in hope rather than confidence.'
Mukammal did punters a good turn when prominent throughout for Declan McDonogh in the six furlong maiden, although the 6/4 favourite needed to be driven right out inside the final furlong to hold off newcomer Red Titian by three quarters of a length.
Alan Magee
