Forza downs favourite to gain first career success

The Michael O'Callaghan trained Black Forza improved from his promising debut effort to open his account at the second time of asking in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Fairyhouse.

Fifth at the Curragh towards the end of last month, the Complexity colt took a significant step forward here as he proved too strong for the well backed 6/4f Rudi's Apple

The latter was smartly away from his wide draw, sitting a close second just behind the early leader Snapdragon

Moving up to dispute early in the straight, Rudi's Apple looked the one to beat as Seamie Heffernan was pushing away back in sixth on the eventual winner.

However, dropping back in trip off this faster pace proved ideal for the O'Callaghan colt, who quickened up impressively to lead over a furlong out before keeping on well to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths.

Winning trainer Michael O'Callaghan said: “He's a nice colt, he had a lovely run the first day at the Curragh.

“We were happy to come here and bring him back to six as he has a lot of pace.

“He learned plenty that day at the Curragh and Seamie was very complimentary of him there.

“It was very straightforward and he's a nice colt, he's learning all the time and still has a bit of learning to do.

“He's solid and mature and I'd say we'll kick on with him for the rest of the summer. He's a very good mover, likes fast ground and Seamie said he handled the undulations of the track here.

“We might go across the water as the summer progresses for a stakes race.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.