Cozone gets back on track in Dundalk finale Cozone recorded his first win since July of 2020, as he justified some late market support in the concluding William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap. Placed 11-time since his only previous success, the Matthew Smith trained five-year-old was available at 20/1 in early shows for this two-mile contest. Eventually sent off at just 8/1 under Chris Hayes, the son of Pour Moi was settled in mid-division, taking closer order on the approach to the straight. Ridden to the front from the furlong pole, he was strongly pressed by Lunar Power in the closing stages and just a head separated them at the line. The runner-up was returned at 11/1 under Colin Keane for Noel Meade, while Boom Boom Boom (8/1) was another length-and-a-quarter back in third. The Willie Mullins-trained Gibraltar was sent off the 9/4 favourite and he stayed on well from off the pace, finishing a never nearer fifth. "I'm delighted for the lads (the Spoonful Of Irish Syndicate), they had Irish Poseidon with me who won three races up here," Smith said. "He was sore after his last run, he was a bit jarred up so we just gave him a week or two off. "On his runs before that, I knew if he was kind of back to that form, he would have a chance but it was a hot race. I didn't necessarily fancy him to win it but I thought he could be in the mix. "Chris was very good on him. I thought he was in front a bit too soon but he kept at it well. He fought well. "He has been a bit hard to win with, he's a horse with plenty of ability. "It gives us options with him, we will play it by ear and see with him. He seems versatile enough trip-wise. He stays well." STEWARDS REPORT The raceday Stewards requested a report from Matthew J. Smith, trainer of Cozone (GB) placed first, into the apparent improvement in form, compared with its recent run. The trainer reported that Cozone was stiff following his previous run and was given a break to freshen up which he felt may have brought about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence, the raceday Stewards noted the content of the report. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
