Offline lives up to Slattery's expectations Offline brought up plenty of bets with a snug victory on debut in the opening five furlong auction maiden at Dundalk. He was last of the seven runners away from the stalls but made good headway on the inner at the three furlong pole. The Requinto colt was seen travelling well under Declan McDonogh in the straight and came through to head Cedars Of Lebanon over a furlong from home. He was ridden in the final furlong to assert and hit the line three and a half lengths to the good. From 5/1 in the morning, his price sharply contracted to 15/8 favourite on the off. Runner-up Cedars Of Lebanon, who was also making her debut, was a 2/1 chance. Trainer Andrew Slattery said: "We were expecting it as he was working well at home. “He probably wants six or seven (furlongs) going forward. Declan likes him, he worked him here two weeks ago and he liked him so we said we'd come back here. “He wants goodish ground. We had him ready to run the first day in Naas but the ground was too heavy and that's why we aimed for here. “He missed the break and I didn't think he'd do that. He did it well in the finish and Declan said it was probably a blessing in disguise, as he arrived there too soon as it was. “He was a bit green in front but did it well. We'll play it by ear now. I think here is a winners-of-one at Navan in three weeks time and we might go for that if the ground dries up. “The stiff five at Navan, I suppose, should suit him. “Michael (Phelan) bred him himself and he has the dam. He works in Coolmore. “It's grand to get him and we're lucky to have him. Whether he'll be sold or not now is another thing.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
