Intern lands a gamble for Wachman

Newcomer Intern landed a gamble as he provided David Wachman with his second winner of the week in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden.

Available at 12/1 last night, the son of Rip Van Winkle opened on-course at 5's before going off a 7/2 chance under Wayne Lordan.

Settled in mid-division on the outer he was pushed along in sixth with over two furlongs to race.

He soon went fourth and came with his challenge with over a furlong to go. He took over in front from Drake Passage inside the final 150 yards, but he then drifted left, and the aforementioned 6/4 market leader was soon back on terms.

However, the winner was quickly straightened up by Lordan, and he regained the lead close home, going on to score by a head.

Drake Passage had to settle for second under Declan McDonogh for John Oxx, while Right Honourable finished an unlucky third, a further length back under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.

The 7/1 chance was a big eye-catcher as he ran into loads of traffic problems inside the final furlong.

Wayne Lordan said afterwards: "He's raw. He has always shown us a little bit at home.

"He jumped out today and raced behind the bridle, I was squeezing him the whole way. He made it a little difficult for himself when he got to the front by rolling around.

"He's potentially a nice horse and hopefully he'll learn plenty from today.

"I'd say he'll get a mile-and-a-quarter or a mile-and-a-half. He stays well and is very genuine."

On the form of the Wachman yard Lordan added: "We thought we had a nice bunch early on but they just had a cloud over them in the middle of the season and every yard gets that.

"Thankfully David stopped and gave them every chance. It has paid off and the horses are starting to run well now."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson