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Gary Carson
Leonard dictates from the front on Allegio
Allegio and Killian Leonard
© Photo Healy Racing
Allegio produced a powerful front-running performance to land the featured Cork Handicap this afternoon at the Mallow venue.
The Denis Hogan-trained gelding was having his second outing of the year having finished fifth on his seasonal debut at Dundalk earlier this month.
Killian Leonard bounced out in front and asked his mount to quicken two-and-a-half furlongs from home.
The well backed 5/1 shot (14/1 in morning) galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a six-length winning margin over Rickrack
Irish Lincolnshire winner On The Go Again was sent to post the 11/8 favourite but could never land a blow in fourth.
“The ground is very testing and I knew from watching the first two races that they weren't going to come from too far back,” said Leonard.
“I was happy enough to bounce out and so was Denis. He was happy enough to leave it up to me and I was happy to dictate from the front with a low weight.
“When I kicked off the bend he kept lengthening for me and there was no catching him.
"I was always comfortable and hadn't really hit top gear two down. I was nursing him and holding him in the ground as it's kind of pitching on you. I was fairly confident I'd win two down."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)