Fire burning brightly in McConnell's charge

Two progressive types were in the front rank throughout in the second split of the extended ten furlong handicap with St Cianans Fire (11/4) coming out on top in the end from Je T'ai Porte

The former had relegated the latter to third here a fortnight ago and, with Je T'ai Porte carrying a 7lb penalty for her course and distance win last Friday, was meeting his old rival on 3lb better terms.

Conor Hoban's mount took full advantage, tracking the front-running Je T'ai Porte before challenging from early in the straight and gaining a narrow lead entering the final furlong. The Elzaam gelding stayed on well to score by half a length from the rallying pace-setter.

It was a third win in his last four starts for John McConnell's four-year-old.

"That makes up for being beaten a short-head in the maiden,” said McConnell, referring to Aces Wild s narrow defeat in the sixth race.

“I was humming and hawing about whether to run him at all from his draw. I rang Conor Hoban this morning and he talked me into it.

“He said 'I know what I'm doing' and he carried out the plan very well.

“In fairness to Simon (Condron, owner) he was going to let me decide either way what to do. He's improving all the time and hopefully can keep going. He'll probably come back here in a few weeks.

“Conor predicted he would get a nice lead off the second horse and that he'd tow him right into it, which is what he wants. He was good at the line.

“A lot of it was down to Conor and I have to give him the credit.”

Quotes from Gary Carson