Chrismoltisanti and Billy Lee (left) just get up to beat Lopes Gold (centre) with Ultramarine (right) in third© Photo Healy Racing
The Ross O'Sullivan-trained Chrismoltisanti got the verdict in a head bobber in the opening six-furlong maiden at Cork. Ultramarine had traded as short as 1/2 this morning and went to post an even-money shot in the race, boasting a rating of 104. Lopes Gold who raced prominently throughout, went for home over a furlong out as Ultramarine made ground up in behind.
The favourite found little in the closing stages, however, and it was Chrismoltisanti and Billy Lee who swooped to challenge Lopes Gold.
There was little between the pair close home with the son of The Gurkha just edging the verdict at the line by a nose.
The 10/3 winner had been third in a Curragh maiden on his previous outing and was having his fifth career outing.
"He had a nice run last year as a two year old and has kept improving all this year,” said O'Sullivan.
“He is going the right direction, Billy loved him, said he'd have no problem getting seven furlongs and loved the ground. We'll look for a handicap now and he could progress."
He added:- "Mark Gallagher is friendly with the owner Stuart Robinson, saw the horse in a pre-training yard and organised the owner to buy him.
“It is all down to Mark that this horse is with me and Stuart has Sea Sessions with me, who won a Listed hurdle at Aintree last season.
"Mark loved this horse from the word go, had ridden him in his first few runs but unfortunately is out with an injury."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
