Oliver looking to the future with Rare Middleton

Rare Middleton runner-up on debut at the Curragh last month, went one better again over ten furlongs in the Gables Foxrock Cup Maiden at Leopardstown.

The Andy Oliver-trained gelding headed the odds-on Realism early in the straight and the 100/30 shot kept on under pressure inside the final furlong as a number of rivals threw down their challenge.

Declan McDonogh ’s mount had half a length to spare over Imaginarium with Most Wanted belying odds of 100/1 just a head back in third.

Oliver said, "That was great, everything went to plan and Declan gave him a great ride. He's a lovely big horse and he ran very well first time out when he was green. He still has plenty to learn but he's very straight-forward and did it well.

“I loved his attitude today, he got to the line well, and he just stripped a bit fitter. We think a bit of the horse and he duly delivered. I don't think there is much else for him and he's not a horse that I'd like to rush.

“He's ground versatile, he's a lovely mover and will go on anything. We'll have a look at our options but I'd say that's him for the year as I'd say he's a horse for the future.”

Quotes by Gary Carson