Carroll on a real roll and brings up 407/1 Navan double

Eight times a winner when under Jedd O’Keeffe’s tutelage, Only Spoofing (11/1) today gained a first for Kevin Coleman as Gary Carroll doubled his Navan score in the Bellinter Handicap.

Thirty five minutes previous Carroll got Joe Murphy’s White Lavender (33/1) up by a nose in the three-year-old plus auction maiden, and the 407/1 brace was completed in more clear-cut fashion.

Favourite Sounds Of Spring kept on without threatening in the final furlong but seven-year-old Only Spoofing, already a course and distance winner at Proudstown Park, retains plenty of dash as he registered a three length verdict.

“He loves this track and coming back to five helped,” said Coleman.

“He ran well in Tipperary, staying on well, and we thought after that he was back to himself.

“We went to Naas the last day, he went a good gallop but just cut out. Dropping back in trip today made the difference.

“He's never won beyond five so he obviously doesn't get beyond that.

“There are very few races for him, hence we had him out so quickly. He's done his job today.”

Carroll was putting three wins together after finishing up at Leopardstown yesterday on winner, Harbanaker (11/1).

The Stewards requested a report from Kevin Thomas Coleman, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Only Spoofing, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Kevin Thomas Coleman reported that he has recently acquired his charge who was a winner on 6 previous runs over 5 furlongs including a win here at Navan. Overall K. Coleman was of the opinion that today's ground and distance are the most suitable conditions for his charge. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

(GC & EM)