Ano Manna wins readily despite market drift

Ano Manna readily dismissed her nine rivals in the William Hill Extra Place Races Daily Handicap, despite proving friendless in the market.

The subject of a gamble when finishing down the field at Naas recently, the Johnny Feane-trained bay was returned an 11/1 chance this evening, from early shows of 9/2.

Towards rear early on, the Charlotte Musgrave-owned Saxon Warrior filly soon improved to track the leaders on the outer under Leigh Roche.

Poised to challenge from early in the straight, she was ridden to the front over a furlong out and soon stretched clear, coming home two-lengths to the good.

The front-running One Boss (11/2) had to settle for second under Shane Foley for Jessica Harrington, while Alabama Pearl (7/2) was a neck away in third.

Returned the 10/3 favourite, the Kevin Coleman-trained Fleetfootsoldier finished sixth.

"She won well and we're happy with that," said Feane.

"We were disappointed the last day, she missed the break and I think the horse falling in front of her frightened her a bit. Things just didn't work out.

"She did it well today, ears pricked, so we'll see what the handicapper does."

When asked if she was entered anywhere else he added:- "No, she won't take racing too quick. She is a good bit better than her mark hopefully."

The winner is a half-sister to smart stable companion Ano Syra. Successful in the Rockingham at the Curragh last summer, she has been knocking on the door in stakes company ever since.

STEWARDS REPORTS

L.F. Roche, rider of Ano Manna, trained by John James Feane, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lugged left under pressure.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from John James Feane, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Ano Manna, placed first, as compared with its previous run at Naas 8th July when finishing eleventh of fourteen finishers behind the winner Slaney Tide. The trainer reported that his charge was badly hampered by a faller at an early stage of the race at Naas when racing on good ground whereas today his charge was ridden more prominently and also appreciated the ease in the ground. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson