Bleier lunges late to prove best of the gambles

The Bill Farrell-trained Rocky Bleier landed a serious on course gamble when storming home inside the final furlong to take the first division of the Meath Handicap at Navan.

The winner had been easy to back this morning drifting from as short as 12/1 to as big as 25/1 and he opened a 20/1 shot on course. He was popular in the ring, however, and was eventually sent off at 9/1.

Billy Lee had his mount out the back in the early stages and he was stone last passing the two pole.

Heart In The Air looked set for victory when hitting the front over a furlong out but Rocky Bleier flew home to get his head in front close home.

Madeira Classic another one punted heavily form 10/1 this morning into 4/1, also ran on late and was only beaten a neck in second at the line with Heart In The Air a head back in third.

“My instructions to Billy were to drop in, get him settled and give him a lovely ride,” said Farrell.

“He's been working well at home and we've been waiting all year on ground. He's in the sales but I'd like to keep him as I think he can improve again. He might got to Naas for the October Handicap.”

The winner is owned by Timothy Rooney, whose family own American football team the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the gelding is named after their legendary halfback.

The owner's brother Dan is a former US Ambassador to Ireland.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)