Mercurial justifies good support in the finale

Mercurial bridged a gap of nearly three years without a win when landing some nice bets in the concluding Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap at the Curragh.

The Prince Of Lir gelding won as a juvenile for Tom Dascombe at Chester but has slid down the ratings in the interim and was placed a number of times last season including over this course and distance.

The John Nallen-trained five-year-old was available at 25/1 earlier in the day and further supported on track from 14/1 into 9/1.

Robert Whearty ’s mount was prominent throughout in this six-furlong event and having come under pressure two furlongs out, really asserted inside the final 100 yards to score by three lengths.

Whearty said, "He did it nicely. He winged the gates, I thought we went along but I was happy enough. The instructions were to roll forward and have him very handy.

“He stays that bit further too and I didn't think ground would be an issue. He's probably a horse that will go seven furlongs as well.

“He had a good run here last year when finishing second. Hopefully he's a horse that can progress through the season.”

Quotes by Gary Carson