Catwilldo, red cap, hits the front in Navan© Photo Healy Racing
Garvan Donnelly's Catwilldo confirmed the form of her Bellewstown success when finishing best to take Navan's five furlong apprentice handicap.
The five-year-old mare beat Blueberry Gal into third and Clear Focus into fourth at Bellewstown and these two opponents were again put to the sword. Suburban Sky popped away well in this contest but soon yielded the lead to Blueberry Gal in the centre. Robbie Downey settled Catwilldo in mid-division in the early stages.
Catwilldo came off the bridle over two furlongs from home but responded well to pressure as she improved to third at furlong pole. Blueberry Gal was soon within her sights and she collared her in the final 100 yards in winning by three parts of a length at 7/2.
Garvan Donnelly said: “She’s tough and consistent and always tries. There is a good programme for the likes of her, and there are a few sprints coming up. She’ll definitely be going back to Bellewstown.â€
Punters sent Blueberry Gal off the 3/1 favourite but she had to settle for second. She was popular throughout the day as trading saw her price steadily contract from 11/2.
Suburban Sky kept on for third at 10/1. She was half a length off Blueberry Gal. Clear Focus finished fifth.
This was Catwilldo's fourth career success and all have come over the five furlong trip. Her two victories before Bellewstown came on the polytrack at Dundalk.
Aditional reporting by Alan Magee
