Massini's Trap is driven out by Fran Berry in the closing stages© Photo Healy Racing
Massini’s Trap took advantage of his low flat mark as he won the Europe Hotel & Resort Handicap under Fran Berry for James Nash.
The five-year-old son of Dr Massini is rated 130 over flights a massive 62 pounds inferior to his mark of 68 on the level.
Having won over a mile and five at Ballinrobe in May he disappointed on his next start at Fairyhouse last month.
Upped in trip today to two miles and a furlong he was sent off at 11/2 having opened at 7/1 on-course.
Settled towards the rear of mid-division he quickly made progress through the field as they entered the home straight.
He came with his challenge two furlongs out, travelling up smoothly beside the leaders, hitting the front a furlong and a half from home when ridden, before keeping on well inside the final furlong to score by a length. Alileo was sent off the 9/2 favourite under Billy Lee for Willie Mullins but he couldn’t reel in the winner inside the final furlong and had to settle for second.
Absolutelyfantastic (14/1) kept on to take third a further three parts of a length back under Paul Townend for Henry De Bromhead while Run With The Wind (16/1) completed the placings a neck back in fourth under Ross Coakley for Michael Hourigan.
James Nash said afterwards: "He is in the Galway Hurdle and that win might just get him into the bottom of the big amateur handicap as well. When he is in such good form I would like him to take his chance in one of them.
"He has been a great servant and even though he is quite small hopefully he will keep improving.
"It is great for his owner Sebastian Curran (from Sandycove in Dublin) as he also bred the horse."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
