Betsen touches down to give Davison a double

Successful in the opener with Lightning Bear trainer Jack Davison quickly doubled up at Down Royal when 4/6 favourite Betsen took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden under a confident Billy Lee.

The 95-rated gelding had gone close in a Listed contest at Navan back in April but hadn't come close to that form in three subsequent outings.

He outclassed his rivals in this speed test over the sharp five furlongs, travelling powerfully behind the leaders before being shaken up inside the final furlong to beat Mint Man by a length-and-a-quarter. 

Davison said of the Quality Time Racing Syndicate's winner: "He's such a strong-travelling horse -he's sort of my version of Harchibald, I suppose! 

"He has a lot of ability and I'd say he would be seen to best effect six furlongs, little bit kinder ground. 

"I'm glad I have him in the Renaissance (Group 3 at the Curragh) at the end of September. I think that is going to be his optimum and that is one of the first things Billy said. 

"That (runner-up run in Navan) says it all- I mean Givemethebeatboys is a proper high-class horse. I thought we were going to win that day. Actually just hit the front and Givemethebeatboys battled back and nailed us. 

"That's the sort of horse I think I am dealing with and the future is bright. 

"I have learned that sort of less is more sometimes (headgear). The horse is genuine and we kept it simple. When you put the top guys up, you can put a lot of trust in them."

Quotes from Michael Graham