Zero Euro and Gary Halpin come home ahead of Wider World and Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
Harry Rogers' sprightly veteran Fit The Cove made a good go of it from the front in the Tote Smart Quick Picks Now Available Claiming Race but he ultimately had to yield to younger legs when coming home in third. No difference to his trainer Harry Rogers though, as his 16/1 chance (from 20s) Zero Euro came through to land the prize under Gary Halpin at Ballinrobe.
The game looked well up for the twenty three times previously raced maiden with Halpin at work down the back straight in last place.
Second favourite Wider World came through to take over from Fit The Cove into the straight, but she was soon looking vulnerable and Zero Euro proved strongest inside the last to gain the day by a length and three parts.
Odds-on favourite Specific Gravity had no more to offer inside the final quarter mile, after racing prominently, and he finished last.
"She always promised a bit but she wanted that ground and we never could get it for her. She wants soft, heavy ground," reflected Rogers.
"The other lad (Fit The Cove) sort of set it up for her.
"If she's not claimed there might be another day for her somewhere."
There were no claims after the extended mile one contest.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Specific Gravity (FR), trained by Adrian McGuinness, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.
The Stewards requested a report from H.Rogers, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Zero Euro, placed first, as compared with its recent run at Leopardstown 15th April. H. Rogers reported that the heavy ground conditions, the slow pace and the persistence of the rider were the contributing factors to his charges victory. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.
(DM & EM)
