Sleepy Head continues to defy handicapper

Pat Smullen has built up a successful association recently with the Pat Flynn-trained Sleepy Head and she made it three wins in the past two months when taking division one of the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap at Dundalk.

The 5/2 chance, who was stepping up in trip to the extended ten furlongs, was sent to the front a furlong out and kept on really well.

The daughter of Rip Van Winkle had a length and a quarter to spare over the patiently ridden 6/4 favourite Weightfordave with Fianchetto half a length back in third.

Smullen said, “She can be a bit difficult beforehand but is straight forward in a race. The trip was a bit of a concern but it’s not now.

“They should have a bit of fun with her through the winter.”