Dark Note fends off Girl Crush© Photo Healy Racing
The easy-to-back Dark Note got off the mark for Joseph O'Brien in the apprentice claimer at Ballinrobe.
He was never far from the pace set by Geri Hatrick in this extended nine furlong contest and was switched out by Jake Coen to lead passing the two pole. Girl Crush moved into second entering the straight as Coen asked Dark Note to go and win his race. The 2/1 favourite idled in front as he was ridden in the final furlong to keep the revs up. He kept on best to see off a challenging Girl Crush (7/1) by three parts of a length.
Dark Note's stablemate, newcomer Gambe Veloci was gambled on but withdrawn after rearing and unshipping Hugh Horgan in the stalls.
Coen said: "The race worked out lovely. Coming to the three (furlong marker) a gap just opened up and I was able to join the front-runner and at the two I’d the race nearly put to bed. All he had to do was to stay going and he kept going well, even though I was probably in front too soon and he’s still lairy in front.
“I didn’t want to be stuck down the rail and finish third on the bridle, so I had to make the call to commit when I did and luckily enough it worked out.
“He works very well at home and I think there’s plenty of improvement in him.”
There were 10 claims in for the winner who was claimed by Andrew Slattery for €15,000. Fifth-placed Together Aclaim was claimed for €10,000 by John McConnell who also claimed third-placed Eagles Perch for €4,000.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
