Review NAAS 4TH JUN

Common Kris will bid to go one better in the Ulster Harp Derby at Down Royal next month after surprising connections by making a winning reappearance in the 10f handicap.

The topweight was always up with the pace, and stayed on well for Niall McCullagh to beat Berengarius by 2L.

'I thought he would need the run today', said trainer Peter Casey, who added: 'He was second to Media Puzzle in the Ulster Derby last year, and that's his main target again'.

Niall McCullagh is on the 13 winner mark for the year having earlier initiated a double aboard the front-running Frosty Wind in the 7f conditions race.

'We always thought he was our best horse, and now he's proved it', said winning trainer Irene Oakes after the Forest Wind colt beat Like A Dream by 2 1/2L.

Ms Oakes, saddling her eighth winner of the season, added: 'He needs to make the running, loves fast ground and will now go for a Listed race at either 7f or a mile'.

Rocamadoura unseated Tadhg O'Shea just after leaving the parade ring for the 10f fillies maiden, and cantered down riderless to the start.

However the incident proved no barrier to her prospects as Eamonn Sheehy's charge proceeded to make most for an impressive 10L success from the odds-on Chill Seeking.

'She has been working well at home, but was not staying the trip in bumpers', said Sheehy, who intends sending her to Clonmel on Sunday for a maiden hurdle.

Odds on supporters of the Aidan O'Brien stable had mixed fortunes in the opening two races.

Sophisticat (2/7f) drifted left when striking the front over a furlong out before drawing clear to beat newcomer Real Delight by 4L in the 2yo fillies maiden.

Darwin took a walk in the market (2/7-4/7f) before the 7f conditions race, and was found to be lame after dropping out tamely inside the final 1/4m.

Last season's leading National Hunt trainer Noel Meade opened his account for the new campaign when Moratorium (Paul Carberry) led at the last to beat Gorthnacurra by 3/4L in the handicap hurdle.

Four Aces got his jumping career off to a successful start when getting on top close home to beat Atitandall by a head in the maiden hurdle.

'He joined me from John Mulhern about two months ago, and is a good jumper. He may go back on the Flat, or else I'll find a novice for him', said trainer Jessica Harrington.

Whispering Hope foiled John James' bid to make all in the bumper, when heading that rival inside the final furlong to gain a hard-earned 1/2L success.

However Kevin O'Ryan was adjudged to have used his whip with excessive frequency on the Frances Crowley-trained gelding, and was given a 3 day ban.

Olive Gaule, rider of High Flight (12th of 13) in the 10f handicap, was given a 7 day suspension for excessive and unnecessary use of the whip.

James Nolan, a kidney transplant recipient and regular participant in charity races, gained a very popular success aboard Zaola in the finale.

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