The in-form John Oxx yard was again to the fore at Wexford on Saturday, with Nazimabad capturing the featured Tote Jackpot Handicap.
Fran Berry bidded his time on the Aga Khan's home bred, leading a furlong out for a cosy length victory over Czar Of Peace. 'He will stick to that sort of class, and may be upped further in trip. He was gelded over the winter, and seems to be getting his act together now,' said Oxx's assistant Jimmy O'Neill.
Niall McCullagh moved onto the 22 winner mark for the season when recording a double on the afternoon aboard Iguassu Falls and Dr Torus. Bristish import Iguassu Falls was successful on her first start for trainer Sean Treacy in the Tote Exacta Handicap, leading early in the straight to beat Charmante Femme and Shvera, who dead-heated for second, by two lengths.
McCullagh completed his 103/1 brace on first reserve Dr Torus in the Tote - The Easy Way To Bet Handicap, with the Philip Rothwell-trained gelding holding off the late surge of Load And Lock by a short-head.
Blazing Missile landed a touch (4/1 to 7/4 favourite) in the Tote Account Bet Now Maiden Hurdle, leading two out under John Cullen to beat Itstheotherhorse by two and a half lengths. The seven-year-old mare is trained under permit nearby at Blackwater by Frank McGuinness, who said: 'She needed the run at Naas last Monday, and jumped much better today. She also won her bumper at this track, and likes good ground.'
Larry Hurley had Logical Star up with the pace throughout in the Nick O'Donnell Memorial Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, and Val O'Brien's charge stayed on gamely when challenged in the straight by favourite Little Ora to score by a neck. 'That's the first winner Larry has ridden for me, and this horse seems to be suited by a level track as he disappointed at Galway last week,' said O'Brien.
Milkat benefited from a change of stable to give 'new' trainer Willie Mullins a 'pleasant surprise' when taking division one of the Tote Placepot Maiden Hurdle. Ruby Walsh sent the four-year-old gelding to the front off the home bend to beat Jurado Express by seven lengths, and Mullins commented afterwards, 'He is only rated 76 over hurdles, and may run again at Tramore next week to try take advantage of that mark.' Boardwalk Knight stayed on best in division two for Kieran Kelly, reeling in Golden Beacon in the closing stages to score by a head.
Alan Magee
