Baby whizzes to victory

After running his best race over hurdles to finish third at Cork recently, Baby Whizz followed up on that effort as he ran out an easy winner of the www.ballinroberacecoure.ie Handicap Hurdle.

That third was in a handicap hurdle rated 80 to 102, so the son of Dr Massini was taking a drop in class here in this contest rated 80 to 95.

The winning 5yo was among numerous horses who were well supported in the market, as he went off 15/8 favourite, having been as big as 3/1 this morning. Sailon Silvergirl who was backed from 16/1 this morning into 8/1 at the off, made most of the running with Baby Whizz among the chasing group. Once her challenge flatten out at the third last, the winning favourite, was right on the pace. He travelled well two out and led approaching the last, staying on strongly to score by five lengths.

Top of the Head stayed on well to take second at 16/1, with Five Jembs a further half a length back in third at 22/1.

Baby Whizz is a full-brother to three time winning stablemate Dr Whizz, who won a valuable Handicap Chase on his last start at the Punchestown Festival in May.

Winning trainer Tom Mullins said afterwards: "He was entitled to win that as it didn't seem a great race.

"He is a small horse and will go for another handicap hurdle next.

"The handicapper gave him five pound for finishing third the last day so I hope he doesn't give him much more after that."

Donal Murphy