Iowntheball (left) and Gary Halpin© Photo Healy Racing
Iowntheball confirmed the promise of his debut at the Curragh when justifying favouritism in the SBD Events Pro Median Auction Maiden at Down Royal.
The Kevin Prendergast-trained juvenile filled third spot behind Orchidaceae on that first start and the form received a timely boost at Leopardstown yesterday evening.
The son of Advertise was easy to back on track drifting out from 11/8 to 9/4 favourite but continued a great run for punters at the meeting making it five successful market leaders out of five.
Gary Halpin ’s mount led well over a furlong out and kept on well to beat Kodi’s Angel by a length and a half while Withoutfurtherado was a further neck adrift in third.
Halpin said, "Good to ride the boss a two-year-old winner, he's a good sort and still very raw.He was b ought in a February Sale, so for him to achieve what he has achieved today is a testament to his ability.
"He was quick out of the gates and travelled well and got a bit tightened for room after going a furlong or two. Ended up out on his own, but kept going well and he came forward from today.
"When he got to the front a furlong down, he had a good look and actually nearly got me at the winning post - he spotted himself at the winning post and jinked, but I managed to hang on to him.
"First time on a bend and it is a lot different to going straight at the Curragh.
"Kevin was my first boss and I still go in a day a week and he's a great man."
Quotes by Michael Graham
