Earls (right) does enough to hold on © Photo Healy Racing
The 7/2 favourite Earls completed a four-timer in the concluding six-furlong handicap at Naas.
As in previous victories, jockey Gary Carroll's main problem was not getting there too soon on the Dream Ahead gelding but he had to take a gap on the rail when one presented itself and that meant Earls was in front a furlong and a half out. With ears half cocked, the five-year-old dossed in front but Carroll managed to keep him going to last home by a head and a neck from Blind Beggar and Rough Diamond
The winning margins of Earls in his four-timer have been a length and a half, a neck, a head and a head.
Trainer Gavin Cromwell, completing a treble on the day after two jumping winners at Cork, said: “He’s a real little warrior and loves that soft ground.
“I wasn’t sure about dropping back to six and we were half tempted to put the blinkers back on him.
“As Gary said he was in front way too soon but at least with the blinkers off he could see the other horses.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
