Smash confirms class in Round Tower The Jim Bolger-trained Smash Williams confirmed himself as a class act when quickening up smartly to land the Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh today. Kevin Manning tracked the leaders on the 6/5 shot before asking him to hit the front a furlong-and-a-half from home and he soon settled matters. Rockaway Valley came through to give chase inside the final furlong but never looked like pegging back the winner, who recorded a length-and-three-quarters victory. The winner had made a big impression when running out a wide margin winner of his maiden at the track just last Saturday. "That was just as good as last week. He's a quick horse and settled the issue very quickly," said Bolger. When asked if the Middle Park could be a target he responded:- "Maybe not the Middle Park just yet. He might not be ready to take on the more experienced horses yet. "I don't have an alternative as he's only come on the scene very recently and I'm a slow thinker! I need time to work it out. "I'd say seven wouldn't matter to him but I'd prefer to go six or seven rather than a mile right away even though he'll probably get a mile in time. "I wasn't sure if he would handle soft ground so it looks now as if he'll go on any ground. "I have a new partner in him (Military Syndicate). I had a two-year-old for them a couple of seasons ago, Renaissance Art, who went on to do well in Hong Kong." Paddy Power have introduced the winner at 25/1 for the 2016 2,000 Guineas.
