Law leaves it late in opener

Above The Law lunged late to land the spoils in the opening sprint handicap at Navan.

Andy Oliver's charge was sent off 7/4 favourite to follow up on a cosy victory at Dundalk just four days ago.

The Lawman gelding raced wide, under Chris Hayes, in the extended five furlong event and looked to have plenty to do as Like Magic kicked for home two furlongs out.

Above The Law started to motor inside the final furlong, however, and along with Indigo Iris gave chase to the leader.

Indigo Iris got on top in the final 50 yards only to be pipped close home by the fast-finishing Above The Law, who recorded a half length success.

The drop back to the minimum trip had seen significant improvement from the winner at Dundalk. The handicapper raised him 18lb for that effort but he was able to run today off a 5lb penalty.

“I was a bit afraid of the bounce factor as it was his third run in just over a week, plus he's also a horse that looks like he wants better ground,” revealed Oliver.

“I thought there were enough questions marks coming here but Chris gave him a fine ride. He held him together well and it just took him a bit of time to get organised.

“The penalty he got for Dundalk was probably a bit excessive but I suppose only time will tell.”

Oliver revealed that his team is a little bit behind this season after work on the gallops during the winter.

“All my horses seem to need a run this year. We've refurbished the gallops and it's left the horses a bit behind.”

Sendmylovetorose was the star of the show for Oliver last year, winning the Cherry Hinton, but the Tyrone trainer revealed that she has met with a setback.

“She's had a bit of a hold up and I'm just not sure at the moment when she'll reappear.”

Dubaya (Group 3 Athasi) and Uleavemebreathless (Listed Tetrarch) both ran at the Curragh yesterday and Oliver expects them to come on for the outing.

“I was happy enough with them and they'll improve for the run.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)