In Time's Eye justified prohibitive odds when opening his account in the nine furlong maiden at a poorly attended Fairyhouse yesterday afternoon.
The Moyglare Stud Farm's home-bred Singspiel colt, rated 108 having finished a length runner-up to High Chaparral on his seasonal debut in the Derby Trial at Leopardstown, was backed from 1/4 to 2/13. Those who traded at these cramped odds endured a few anxious moments when Pat Smullen pushed along the hot-pot to challenge early in the straight, but he soon asserted and eventually stretched out well to beat Ballina Belle by a comfortable four lengths.
'He was a little ring-rusty having been off the course for three months with a training hold-up since the Irish Derby. He is a big, immature horse, and should make a very talented four-year-old. The plan is to give him one more run this year in the Trigo Stakes at Leopardstown,' said trainer Dermot Weld.
Rathangan permit holder Dermot Murphy bridged a five year gap since his first winner when Girl Wonder routed her 17 rivals in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap. The five-year-old mare struck the front early in the straight for Helen Keohane, partnering her tenth winner of the season, and stretched clear to beat Main Man Paul by three lengths.
'Moonlight Melody was my only previous winner at Tralee in 1997, and I have just two in training. This is only a hobby as landscape gardening is my main source of income,' said a delighted Murphy.
James Burns appears to have a useful sort on his hands in the shape of Tangle, who made an impressive debut in the juvenile auction maiden. The Bob Back filly led inside the final quarter mile, and quickened clear in fine style under Timmy Houlihan to record a five length verdict over Latino Magic.
'She's always showed us plenty at home, and is a long striding, good galloping filly. That's it now until next year, and she is bred to stay well beyond a mile,' said the Curragh trainer.
Ger Lyons saddled his seventh juvenile winner of the campaign when Mango Catcher finished strongly to beat top-weight Neeze by a length in the nursery. 'He was gelded since his last run, and that's the first time he's fought back and really showed what he can do,' said the local handler. Davy Condon injured a wrist and was stood down for the remainder of the afternoon after his mount Attanagh slipped up a furlong out.
Peace Angel made all under Wayne Lordan in the seven furlong handicap, and stayed on gamely under pressure to beat Marko Jadeo by two lengths.
Alan Magee
