Oneiroi and Ronan Whelan hold Silent Performance © Photo Healy Racing
A change in tactics worked a treat for Oneiroi (7/1) in the concluding Plusvital Handicap.
Placed in five of his six runs this term when usually doing his best work at the finish from off the pace, Ronan Whelan had him prominent from stalls and he soon led before battling on well in the final furlong to hold Silent Performance (20/1) by half a length. Fil The Power (8/1) and Emphatic (33/1) completed the frame.
It was a second win for the Morpheus gelding, owned and trained by Newbridge resident Des Buckley who has a gallop near Monasterevin, after a maiden win at Navan in 2019.
“He deserved the win and loves it around here,” said Whelan.
“He had a little setback after the last day so the guys have done a great job getting him right.
“(Former jockey) Gordon Power rides a lot of work on him and he deserves a lot of credit.
“The different tactics today were down to Gordon. He suggested to jump and go forward on him. He can lug a bit left so he said to go and get the rail.
“He enjoyed it and held on well. He should improve for that. He’s a real fun horse.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
