Gobi Star vindicates handicapper in Dundalk

Pat Martin 's Gobi Star overcame a 12lb hike in the weights to win a photograph with Exquisite Acclaim in the seven-furlong handicap for horses rated 47-75 in Dundalk.

Jack Kearney used the inner route on the five-year-old gelding who once again travelled into contention. He challenged Exquisite Acclaim in the final 100 yards and got the decision by a short head at 4/1 from the 6/1 runner-up.Secret Magician kept on in third, beaten less than a length, at 12/1.

"He got a bit messy in the stalls and half missed the kick, which he hasn't been doing — he's been breaking really quick,” said Martin.

“He settled a little bit better tonight than he did the last night. He got a good tow into the race, picked up and just came out the right side of the photo. It could have gone either way and I wasn't sure we had won.

“I joked with the handicapper the other day that he had whacked us, but I've often found when he does hit you that hard they are often right.

“You'd think winning three-and-a-half that you'd get 8lb or maybe 9lb, but he was right - just about!”

Gobi Star was victorious in the basement grade last week.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson