Aidan O'Brien and Michael Kinane teamed up for a 3/1 double at the Naas evening meeting when Carpanetto and Tumblebrutus both justified even money favouritism.
Giants Causeway made a successful debut in the six furlongs two-year-old maiden on this card four years ago, and his full-brother Tumblebrutus got off the mark here on his third start. The Storm Cat colt was strongly opposed in the market by the Kevin Prendergast-trained newcomer Ulfah, but O'Brien's charge proved much too strong inside the final furlong to record a two and a half lengths victory.
The master of Ballydoyle was not at the meeting but later reported by telephone that 'he is progressing with each run and will be stepped up to Group company next time possibly in the Futurity Stakes.'
Carpanetto initiated the double when making a belated seasonal debut in the Darley Stallions Race. Kinane elected to come down the centre of the course in the straight on the son of Peintre Celebre as the pace-setting Mukammal hugged the far rail, and asserted from the furlong pole to beat Jade Quest by two and a half lengths. 'He's had a few little problems and we gave him plenty of time. He will now be stepped up to ten furlongs for a Listed race,' said O'Brien.
Padraig Beggy was a late substitute on Red Venus in the apprentice handicap after original rider was unable to do the light weight, and it proved a memorable evening for the 17-year-old Dunboyne lad as he recorded his first win. The Seamus Fahey-trained seven-year-old mare showed a smart turn of foot in the final furlong to stretch four lengths clear of top-weight Girl Wonder.
Strike Alliance overcame an eight months absence to provide claimer Mark Walsh with his third winner in the handicap hurdle. The nine-year-old mare, who is in foal to Accordion, jumped past Izmir and Cross The Highman at the final flight to beat those rivals by a length and a half and the same.
Keen Look made virtually all under Jerry O'Dwyer in the six furlongs handicap, and spread-eagled the 20 runner field in the closing stages when beating Tubbertown Rose by two lengths.
Alan Magee
