3rd time lucky for Criminal

On outing number three A Smooth Criminal got off the mark in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden at Clonmel.

Ronan Whelan did the steering in the familiar Cistercian College Roscrea Racing Partnership colours aboard Emmet Mullins' charge.

The son of Clodovil was too strong from the furlong pole for Stoic Soul and favourite Timiniya He prevailed by two and a quarter lengths and a head.

Mullins is at Newmarket sales so it was left to Whelan to say: "He was entitled to do that on his homework and we always thought a bit of him. We were a little disappointed with him at Naas but he was weak and raw and the last day (Leopardstown) was like his first run and I knew he'd come on from it.

"He was green when he hit the front today and had plenty left in the tank and will stay further and be better on better ground."

(TW & EM)