I'm A Gambler (yellow star on cap) hits the front© Photo Healy Racing
I'm A Gambler struck for the English raiders in the 'Sovereign Path' at Leopardstown when landing the €150,000 contest for Charlie and Mark Johnston.
Tom Marquand tracked the leaders in the seven-furlong contest before asking his mount for an effort early in the home-straight.
The No Nay Never gelding stayed on to challenge a furlong from home and soon hit the front as he went on to post a half length win over Safe Voyage who stayed on well from the rear.
I'm A Gambler, an 18/1 shot, was recording his fifth victory of the season.
He was last seen finishing fifth in Group 3 company at Goodwood just a day after winning a valuable handicap at the same meeting.
Marquand rode Alenquer to win the Tattersalls Gold Cup on his first ride in Ireland back in May and he said afterwards:-
“I’m obviously getting a bit lucky with these Irish tracks coming over and having a first go round but to be fair we had all the help there with a good draw.
“He was nice and relaxed in behind the lead and got a good run through when we needed it.
“To me it didn’t ride like it was too soft. Most of this fellow’s form is on fast ground and that was my doubt coming to today.
“The ground has a really good base to it. It’s a bit of a test but nothing desperate.
“The track rode a bit sharper than I’d imagined from watching it.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
