Mana completes Elliott treble Robin Des Mana completed a Down Royal treble for Gordon Elliott, as he took the last, the Mencap INH Flat Race, under Nina Carberry. Third on his debut at Punchestown last October, the five-year-old son of Robin Des Pres disappointed on his next start at Naas in November. Sent off the 6/4 favourite this evening he was held up towards rear by Nina Carberry. He was closer in fifth three furlongs out, and soon improved to dispute the lead, hitting the front over a furlong out before staying on well to score by three and a half lengths. Newcomer Calzini Bianchi ran well to finish second at 14/1 under Barry O'Neill for Noel Hynds, while the well-backed Apasionado (20's to 8's on-course) was a length back in third under Declan Queally for Mervyn Torrens. Our Valentina also came in for market support (9/2 to 7/2), and she was still in with every chance when slipping up over two furlongs out. Elliott, who was earlier successful with Clarcam and Beau Et Sublime, wasn't present at Down Royal as he is currently on holidays. Nina Carberry said: "He did pick up well in fairness to him. He had a nice run in Punchestown and probably didn't go on the ground in Naas. He wants better ground. "There should be more in him, he won with a bit in hand." The winner is owned by Tom Howley junior. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
