Step-up in trip suits Shajak

The Johnny Murtagh trained Shajak made it third time lucky in the last at Tipperary, the Thank You To All The Frontline Workers Maiden.

Fifth and fourth on his first two starts over a mile and two, the son of Zarak was stepped-up in trip this evening and came in for late market support, going off the 2/1 favourite (from 10/3).

Settled in second by Ben Coen, the bay victor was sent to the front upon entering the straight. Soon ridden clear, he kept up the gallop inside the final furlong and came home three-and-a-half lengths in front of My Mate Mozzie

The runner-up was returned at 9/4 under Gary Carroll for Gavin Cromwell, while Sean Says (33/1) was another three-and-a-half lengths back in third with Sarah Verling aboard.

"He’s been a work in progress but is coming along," Murtagh said of the Aga Khan owned winner.

"Ben was very happy the last time with him but he had to make the running. He got a lead today and he said he was much better.

"He quickened up well down the straight and stayed the mile and a half really well. He's one of those big, late developers that should improve a bit with racing.

"I'd expect a bit more improvement to come."

STEWARDS REPORT

H.J. Horgan, rider of Periscopic (GB) trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost his action and veered right.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee