New Variant puts healthy distance between himself and rivals

Dropping back in trip after winning a Tipperary maiden over 1m4f, the Jim Bolger-trained New Variant (9/4) bolted up in the The ALTO EQUINE Building Solutions Rated Race.

Luke McAteer was determined not to give Signora Bellissimo an easy time of things on the front end and pressed the front-runner until moving past her on the home turn. The New Approach gelding soon opened up a decisive advantage and nothing from behind was able to land a blow as he scored by ten lengths from Roman Hands

McAteer said:- “I wanted to keep it honest as I know my lad stays.

“The whole way I was just trying to keep Mr Murtagh's filly honest. I was always happy, he settled well today and when I straightened up I just let him lengthen.

“He picked up and went away well. He won plenty easy so I'd be very happy with him. He's improved with every run and hopefully he can keep progressing. I think he could be a nice horse.

“He's a hardy horse, I don't think the ground matters to him. He's a very straight-forward horse and I'm very happy to get another one for the boss.”

Quotes from Gary Carson