Lethal now two from two

Lethal Steps made it two from two in the opening race of the Killarney July Festival, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race.

Successful on debut at Leopardstown last month, the Ger Lyons trained colt was since purchased by Qatar Racing Limited from previous owner James Murphy.

Available at 11/10 in early shows, the son of Lethal Force opened on-course at 4/7, before going off the clear favourite at 8/15.

Settled in second by Colin Keane, he ranged alongside the front-running Painting Pictures from the two furlong pole, and he was sent to the front over a furlong out.

He was given a few cracks of the whip inside the final furlong and soon drew clear, coming home six lengths to the good. Amenette (10/1) came through to take second under Donnacha O'Brien for his brother Joseph, while the aforementioned Painting Pictures faded to fourth.

Lyons said afterwards: "I didn't want to step him straight into a Stakes race because he is still very raw and he is one that we will give plenty time between runs.

"Colin said he was doing nothing in front so he only hit him a couple to let him know it was more than being at home.

"He is a horse we like and put Sheikh Fahad into him and it was either do this or head straight to the Tyros (Stakes) which I don't like doing and we've a couple of others for the Tyros so we'll go baby, baby with him instead and let him mature.

"It's nice and Colin said the track rode fantastic and once he matures he'll be a nice horse and is improving every week."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes