Stars returns to form on the sand

Knock Stars has found life a bit tough since a stellar juvenile campaign which produced three wins, notably the Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas, but she returned to the winners enclosure for the first time in 16 months when taking the opening sprint handicap at a wet and windy Dundalk. Summer Isles ensured a strong pace in this five-furlong dash but the distress signals were out under two furlongs out, and Knock Stars struck the front just over a furlong out.

Declan McDonogh’s mount kept on well in the strong cross wind, with the 4/1 chance holding on well by three quarters of a length from Under Review (5/1). Majestic Timeline held every chance but could find no extra another three quarters of a length back in third, while favourite Almadaa finished fourth.

Summer Isles dropped right away and was found to have a wound to her left-hind pastern on veterinary examination.

Winning trainer Pat Martin said, “She’s hard work but did run well at the Curragh the other day. They went quick which suited her as she’s a slow sprinter. She may run again at Navan next Wednesday.”