Spark comes good with late surge

Hidden Spark came with a power packed late surge under Andrew Slattery to open her account in the first division of the Boyne Valley Racing Weekend Handicap at Fairyhouse.

The Dot Love-trained filly was well backed in the seven-furlong contest as she was sent off 5/1 favourite having been 8/1 this morning. Above Us Only Sky made a bold bid from the front but was collared close home as Silk Cravat and Hidden Spark finished off well.

It was the later who prevailed close home for a half length victory.

“At long last. He gave her a peach of a ride, he's a good lad,” said assistant trainer Ciaran Murphy.

“She kind of came off the bridle turning in and he just played with her and she came strong then.

“Even though we had her up in trip at the start of the year when they passed her at the six in Ballinrobe last time she just didn't see it out.

“So we just dropped her back in trip and it worked out perfect.

“The lads would love to go to Galway but I'm not sure whether she'd get in off her rating but that might help her as she'll go up a bit for that.

“A stiff six or seven would suit her.

“We've been so unlucky with the draws all year but she is a bit claustrophobic and likes a bit of room anyway so it wasn't the worst thing in the world the way it worked out.”