Poet Master and Sam James© Photo Healy Racing
Karl Burke took another big prize back across the Irish Sea when Poet Master proved far too good for the home team in the featured Group 2 Romanised Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh.
Burke, who sent out Fallen Angel to win the Irish 1000 Guineas in May, was at it again as the Sam James partnered 7/2 chance claimed the main race on the day.
Always to the fore just off leader I Am Superman James led two furlongs out, staying on strongly to beat Lord Massusus by three-and-three-quarter lengths. Mountain Bear was the disappointment of the race, slowly away and never passing a rival.
Paddy Powers went 12/1(from 25) Poet Master for the Lennox Stakes.
Sam James said: “Karl and I know that he just didn't fire the last day in Haydock, I'm not sure why.
“He was impressive at Newmarket when he won the time before that and beat a good horse of David O'Meara's (Misty Grey).
“It was a great training performance to get him back, freshen him up and bring him all the way over here for what looked like a competitive Group 2. He won very well.
“He's still maturing this horse, he can be a bit difficult to switch off but Seamie (Heffernan) has gone a nice gallop in front and I was able to use him as a guide.
“They went a lovely gallop and it suited me perfectly, I was able to get him switched off in behind Seamie. I got to the front maybe sooner then ideal but I knew all he would do is keep galloping all the way to the line.
“He's maturing all the time. Even going to post he was a bit fresh and keen but now he's starting to learn his job and he's going to keep improving. He could even be a better horse next year.”
James was formerly apprenticed to Kevin Prendergast on the Curragh and added:-
“Everyone has been really good to me and I've really enjoyed coming back for the last two days.
“It's really nice to get a winner and I appreciate that off Karl and the owner. I heard Kevin is not the best at the minute and everyones thoughts are with him as well in hospital.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
