No Nay Alexander scores on debut

No Nay Alexander belied a market drift to win the DundalkStadium.com Maiden on debut at that venue today, scoring for Classic winners trainer Johnny Murtagh and jockey Ben Coen.

The Noel O'Callaghan-owned daughter of No Nay Never was a 7/1 shot this morning but slid through the day and was returned a 16/1 chance. In the race Coen produced her from mid-field to challenge over a furlong out and edge past Moshammer close home for a neck win.

Murtagh, who combined with Coen to win September's Irish St Leger with Sonnyboyliston, said “that was a pleasant surprise. I did think she was a nice filly coming here but we haven't done that much work with her.

“She's a bit tricky so she probably keeps herself fit, the lads have done a great job with her at home.

“I would have been happy if she ran in the first three today as she's just starting off. The rating of the second-favourite (62-rated Cheval Blanc probably gave her a chance in a race like this.

“Ben said she'll definitely improve from the run. She's a well-bred filly so it's nice to get a winning bracket. We'll see what the owners want to do and play it by ear.”

Quotes from Gary Carson