Aga Khan 1, 2 as Mizani just beats Handazan

Mizani under Johnny Murtagh led home an Aga Khan one, two as he just got the better of Handazan and Niall McCullagh by a short head in the Kill Maiden over 1m 2f.

Trained by Mick Halford, the winning grey son of Bachelor Duke, was sent off the 5/2 favourite (drifted from 2/1 on course) after running well on his debut at Navan last month to finish fourth behind Karatash.

The form of that maiden has since worked out well with both the third horse Montebell and the fifth horse Father Of Science winning there maidens recently.

The runner-up Handazan (10/1) attempted to make all for trainer John Oxx and was four lengths in front as runners the home turn.

Mizani went in pursuit in the early straight and hit the front over a furlong from home.

However Handazan didn’t go down without a fight and he battled back bravely but just couldn’t match the winner who was all out close home.

The Aidan O’Brien trained newcomer El Salvador finished a further four and three parts of a length back in third under Colm O’Donoghue at 12/1.

The winner is a half-brother to stable mate Missliyna who won her maiden at Dundalk in October on her third start.

Winning trainer Mick Halford was not present for the win.