Focus best as Johann meets trouble

Following on from Belisarius, Indian Maharaja and Palace earlier on this card, Johann Strauss became another one to forget for supporters of the Ballydoyle 'short ones' this turf campaign. He could only manage third at odds of 4/5 in the Ross Nugent Foundation (Colts & Geldings) Maiden at Leopardstown but that doesn't give the full picture.

At the death in this miler, Jim Bolger's Fiscal Focus touched off Tommy Stack's Boqa (yard bidding for a double) by a nose. It could well have been different if Joseph O'Brien had got a clear run on Johann Strauss.

A gap on the rail that O'Brien went for from over a furlong, closed by the time he got there. He then had to switch around and ultimately came home a length and three parts off the principals in third.

Bolger commented on the Kevin Manning-ridden victor: "He got through the ground but we won't know how good he is until he gets better ground.

"He's a good sort – I like him and I think he has prospects.

"He doesn't lack toe and it's possible he could come back in trip too." (GC & EM)