Azzuri now two from two at Roscommon

Azzuri made it two from two at Roscommon as he took the Roscommon Herald Handicap under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons.

The son of Azamour won his maiden over the course in May and was seventh to Botany Bay in the Ulster Derby on his last start.

Available at 10/1 in a place this morning the Sean Jones owned gelding opened on-course at just 4's before going off a 9/2 chance.

Having tracked the leaders throughout he was third entering the straight and came with his challenge on the outer from the two furlong pole.

He was ridden to lead over a furlong from home and while he was strongly pressed by Buzz Off Barroso inside the final furlong he battled gamely to see off that rival by a neck.

The runner-up was returned a 3/1 chance under Fran Berry for Jessica Harrington while the 11/4 favourite Social Climber could only manage a disappointing fourth under Chris Hayes for Kevin Prendergast.

Ger Lyons said afterwards: "The bit of juice in the ground helped, and he'll make a lovely jumping horse.

"That was a great performance under top-weight. He's very genuine and the rain came in time for him."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee