Annakrista books her Galway ticket

Annakrista with Danny Grant on board galloped stoutly to the line in the extended mile and two handicap at Dundalk as she beat Hawkswood by three lengths.

There was certainly a bit of a touch landed on the five-year-old mare trained by Mervyn Torrens who was as big as 14/1 this morning before being returned at 7/1.

Last-time out she ran fifth in a Down Royal handicap on June 22nd, a race Torrens alluded to in his comments afterwards: “It probably wasn’t as good a race as Down Royal where she got blocked. I half expected her to run well.

“She’ll probably go to the two mile handicap on Galway on the Saturday as all she does is gallop and she should have no problem staying.”

This was her first career success and she made all and closed out the win at 7/1 despite Hawkswood (4/1) and Pat Smullen setting after her with two furlongs to run. Home Secretary the 3/1 favourite, was a further half length away in third for Garvan Donnelly and Shane Foley.

Hawkswood was heavily punted at the track from 7/1 to 4/1 as punters latched on to his terrific course record.

Annakrista paid 14.5/1 on the Tote.