Cotai on control in Gowran opener

Stayincotai produced a fine front-running performance to claim the opening seven-furlong maiden at Gowran Park for trainer Natalia Lupini.

The Cotai Glory colt had made little impression on his sole 'official' start at Naas last September having been second in a barrier trial at Dundalk the previous month.

He attracted some support today, going to post a 12/1 shot, and Wayne Lordan was positive on his mount. Butterfly Island looked a danger early in the straight but cried enough over a furlong out.

8/11 favourite Karkiyna stayed on into second inside the final furlong without getting to the winner, who posted a length-and-a-quarter success.

Lupini said:- “He’s improved and done very well over the winter. He was promising when nearly winning his barrier trial and then the race after didn’t work out so we decided to give him a chance to improve over the winter.

“We knew we had a nice horse on our hands so we are happy he delivered today. He’s done plenty and we knew he was fit.

“We said if he jumps well to let him use himself and he kept finding.

“Wayne thinks a mile is as far as he wants to go and we’ll see what the handicapper does and make a plan.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)