Focus takes claimer on debut

Royal Focus made a winning debut when taking the claimer at Down Royal in good style for Jim Bolger.

Kevin Manning tracked the leaders on the Intense Focus colt and he travelled strongly to take closer order crossing the road in the seven-furlong contest.

Manning asked his mount to claim front-runner Queen Rosemary with over a furlong to run and the 4/1 co-favourite galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a two-length victory.

Queen Rosemary just held the run of Caso Do Lago (4/1 co-favourite) by a neck to claim the runner-up spot.

The other market principal, Myamo was five-lengths back in fourth.

“He knew his job and did it well,” said Manning afterwards.

“He handled the ground well and you would hope that there would be improvement in him.”

Royal Focus was claimed after the race for €10,000 by Gerard O'Leary.

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)