Self Belief (right) and Nathan Crosse © Photo Healy Racing
Self Belief produced a powerful run from off the pace in the straight to snatch victory and provide Nathan Crosse with a first Listed win in the Trigo Stakes at Leopardstown.
The son of Make Believe, successful on his belated debut at the Curragh this summer and having just his third career start, found plenty under pressure to gain the spoils.
The 8/1 chance got up in the final strides to deny the always prominent Kerkiyra by a head with well-backed 5/2 favourite Lyrical Poetry holding every chance but finding no extra close home a further length and a quarter away in third.
This victory completed a fine afternoon for trainer Willie McCreery who was at Ascot to see Insinuendo finish a highly creditable third behind Emily Upjohn in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.
A delighted Crosse said afterwards, "I'm delighted to get that. I'm very thankful to the owners and especially to Willie for putting me up, it was a big thing to do.
“I was very happy with him today. He jumped out, travelled along well early and we just slotted in behind and he dropped the bridle completely.
“I was very happy with him the whole way along and as soon as I gave him a kick he took off. He's very game, he's good and hardy.
“He'll improve plenty from that today, he's still raw as he's only had two runs.”
Quotes by Gary Carson
