Tell Me See had her sights lowered from Leopardstown's Grade 1 William Neville Novice Chase to a three miles beginners event at Thurles, and the locally trained mare benefited from the drop in class to record a popular win.
Permit holder John Burke also rides the four-time point-to-point winner, and she justified strong market support, 6/4 to evens favourite, eventually shrugging off the persistent challenge of Abbeytown inside the final 50 yards to score by a length. 'She got an infection in a leg after her last run at Leopardstown, and hopefully we can now get her some black type,' said Burke afterwards.
Boleyknowsbest ended a frustrating sequence of placed efforts when finally getting off the mark in the maiden hurdle. However Robbie Burns' charge enjoyed some good fortune here as market rival The Kop End had just taken the lead, and appeared to be travelling well, when falling heavily two out.
With Cash And Carry also hampered by the faller, Boleyknowsbest was left clear under Ian Power to beat Eurolink Rooster by ten lengths. 'He deserved that, and they went a good gallop which allowed him to settle in,' said Dunleer based Burns of the 15/8 favourite.
Punters also got it right in the two miles beginners chase when Light On The Broom quickened clear for Mark Grant entering the straight for an easy six lengths victory over Best Wait. 'Mark has done a grand job and, if he comes out of this race alright, he will go for a winners race at Clonmel on Sunday week,' said trainer Gerry Stack.
Stutter gained compensation for a narrow defeat at Clonmel a fortnight ago when heading the gambled-on Austocon on the run-in of the novice handicap hurdle. The Phillip Carberry-ridden gelding may bid for a quick follow up at Limerick next week. Amateur Tom Freyne was briefly unconscious after his mount Earlyinthemorning fell at the third, and he was taken to Cashel Hospital for examination.
Shaalayn caused a shock when prominent throughout for trainer/rider Pat Verling to land the two miles handicap hurdle. The 12/1 chance, who paid a massive 132/1 on the Tote, kept on well under pressure in the straight to beat Thatsharib by two and a half lengths. 'He's a well-bred gelding who came from Dubai, and is only starting to come to himself after suffering a blood disorder when in quarantine,' said Verling.
Thatsharib's rider Adrian Lane was given a one day whip ban and instructed to attend RACE for a day's tuition on the use of the whip.
Tote patrons were again well rewarded in the handicap chase where the always prominent Canary Tan, also returned at 12/1 but paid 35.30 on the machines, was left clear after Banner Dream fell at the last.
Alan Magee
