Critic shows class in Naas opener

The Johnny Murtagh-trained Chicago Critic confirmed the promise of his debut run when taking the opener at Naas this afternoon in fine style.

The Night Of Thunder colt had finished third to Bluedrum at the track last month when he had the well touted Ballydoyle colt Gallantly behind in seventh.

That rival was sent to post a 5/4 shot to turn the tables today and jumped out to make the running in the mile contest.

Ben Coen let Chicago Critic move up to dispute over two furlongs from home and asked his mount to kick on before the furlong marker.

The 9/4 shot galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a comprehensive three-and-a-quarter length win over the favourite.

Murtagh said afterwards:- “He’d a good run the first day but he’s a lazy horse at home so its hard to know how he’s going.

“Niall McCullagh likes him and rode him work one morning and said ‘this lad goes well and handles soft ground well’.

“When we worked him the other morning I said has he improved at all but ours usually improve from their first run to their second run. Ben said he’s very professional, very genuine and should get a mile and a quarter next year.

“He’s by Night Of Thunder, a good sire, and we’ll put him away and hope he’s a stakes horse next year.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)