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- Classy Capri claims the feature
Donal Murphy
Classy Capri claims the feature
Capri is pushed out by Seamie Heffernan
© Photo Healy Racing
Capri stamped his authority on the feature at Tipperary this evening, the Listed Coolmore Canford Cliffs Stakes, making virtually all to score under Seamie Heffernan for Aidan O'Brien.
An eye-catching second on his debut at the Curragh last month, the grey son of Galileo got off the mark at Galway last Saturday.
Available at 5/4 last night, he opened on-course at 9/10, before going off the clear 8/11 market leader.
Soon sent to the front by Heffernan, he was pushed along and edged further ahead from the two furlong pole.
He was ridden with over a furlong to race, and kept up the gallop from there, going on to score by two lengths. Boyfriend Brian ran a fine race to finish second under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons at 10/1, while Intern (16's to 11's) was three and three parts of a length back in third under Wayne Lordan for David Wachman.
Branch Line never managed to land a blow, and he finished fifth, while Right Honourable faded inside the final furlong, eventually finishing sixth.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He's a nice horse and is still a baby but is coming forward lovely. He had a lovely first run and Seamus (Heffernan) was very happy with him at Galway.
"We don't have to be in a panic with him now and he is a nice natured, solid and straightforward horse.
"He could have a Futurity entry, a National Stakes entry and could also have a little bit of time and go for the Beresford Stakes and Racing Post Trophy."
Seamie Heffernan added: "It was not ideal having to make the running on him but he is a nice horse, and it's nice to be on him.
"I went a good gallop and it would have taken a good one to get past me. I knew him and I fancied him. He is just a decent horse who has plenty of ability."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes