Araqeel takes opener with ease

Araqeel justified his short price in the opening Tote Maiden at Listowel today with a convincing success under Pat Smullen.

Dermot Weld 's charge tracked front-runner Zauffaly in the mile contest and the 8/13 favourite travelled sweetly into the lead a furlong-and-a-half from home.

Smullen asked the Dutch Art gelding to stretch inside the final furlong and he galloped on strongly for a four-and-a-quarter length success.

The winner was making his first start since finishing third to Irish Guineas winner Awtaad in a Leopardstown maiden last October.

Mark Weld, son of the trainer, said: "We're very happy with him. He had a little hold up with him last year but his form was very strong. It's nice to confirm that form and he'll go for a handicap next."

Smullen added:- "It was a very weak race and he handled conditions well. It's gluey ground but we'd have been disappointed if he had been beaten - he had some very good form last year."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)