Review NAAS 6TH JUL

Namaya was backed as if defeat was out of the question in the two-year-old maiden, and the Jim Bolger-trained juvenile justified the market confidence (4/6 to 4/9) with an impressive success.

The Namid colt, beaten less than 1L when third to George Washington in the Group 2 Railway Stakes, responded immediately when asked to go by Kevin Manning two furlongs out.

The odds-on shot soon stretched clear and had plenty in hand, with Mayonga the only one to come out of the pack to finish a two lengths runner-up.

Bolger was understandably pleased with the performance, and nominated the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh on the Irish Oaks card (July 17) as his next target.

The Bolger/Manning partnership were on the mark again in the seven furlongs handicap when National Swagger made virtually all for an equally emphatic victory.

Newcomer Kerania was all the rage here being sent off the 4/5 favourite with National Swagger allowed to go off a generous 3/1.

Manning's mount was in total control in the straight to beat Mor Mortas by four lengths, with the favourite never able to get into a challenging position back in sixth.

The beautifully bred winner, by Giant's Causeway out of the Group 1 winning mare Eva Luna, will now return to Stakes company in search of black type.

Odds-on punters also suffered a reverse in the six furlongs winners race where 1/2 chance Cougar Cat was upset by Benwilt Breeze, representing the in-form pairing of Ger Lyons and Tadgh O'Shea.

'He was put away last year after getting jarred at Galway and had a wind operation after coming back into training this year,' said Lyons.

He added, 'I was realistically only hoping for place money, and we will see how the handicapper reacts before making any plans.'

Apprentice Brian Hughes was a relieved young man returning to the winners enclosure on Premier Dane after the featured Brophy Farrell Real Estate Alliance Handicap.

He was denied room twice in the straight before eventually switching to the stands side on Kevin Prendergast's charge, quickening up well in the final 100 yards to beat Red Happy by 1L.

Sanfrancullinan, unplaced in nine previous outings, came good in the opening 6f handicap when prominent throughout under Rory Cleary to beat Toberogan by 1 1/2L.

'It's taken me a while to get her trip right as it looks like she wants six furlongs or maybe an easy seven. I'm delighted she won tonight as her owner Liam Queally is sponsoring a couple of races,' said trainer Micheal Halford.

Michael Kinane was seen to typically good effect in the concluding 1m2f maiden when producing Dafarabad with a sustained challenge to touch off Queen Titi by a neck.

Tandem Lady was withdrawn after rearing up in the parade ring and landing on rider Michael Hussey, who was stretchered away for examination.

Alan Magee