Progressive Sky gets off the mark

It took his dam, Mala Mala seven runs before she shed her maiden tag but Horizon Sky hit the bulls-eye a bit quicker, gaining the all important debut success in the Rooftop Restaurant at Gowran Park Nursery.

Wayne Lordan was aboard David Wachman's top-weight and the Cork man was also on Mala Mala, as a 5Ib claimer at Naas back in the summer of 2001.

Just over a fortnight back at this venue, Horizon Sky headed the betting but he couldn't cope with Einsteins Folly.

Again the Duke Of Marmalade colt was at the top of the betting (in company with Sherzam . He led over two furlongs out and his supporters were heading for payment from over a furlong out as he kept on strongly to beat Ballyorban by two lengths.

It was a first success for Dublin-based owner, Mel Sutcliffe.

Wachman said: "He ran well the last day and he likes a bit of good ground.

"I'm not sure about plans, he'll probably go for another nursery."

Meanwhile of his Matron Stakes (Leopardstown Saturday) hope, Duntle, the County Tipperary handler remarked: "She's in good form and she's entitled to take her chance.

"I'd say the ground will be pretty good there and that'll suit her." (AM & EM)