Tipstaff looks progressive sort in finale

The Gowran Park maiden won by Pacodali last month was given a significant boost as the second, third, fifth and ninth in that race filled the first four places in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Navan. Tipstaff showed plenty of promise when runner-up on his belated debut, and the Godolphin homebred son of Street Cry progressed nicely when upped slightly in trip to this ten-furlong test.

The Jim Bolger-trained colt travelled well to challenge early in the straight, and got well on top inside the final furlong.

Kevin Manning pushed out the evens favourite to beat Chocolat Noir by two and three quarter lengths.

Amble Sufficiency held every chance another length and a quarter back in third, while Sayar filled fourth place.

Bolger's travelling head lad Ger Flynn said, “Kevin said he's still a big baby and still growing up a lot and learning his trade.

“He was very green in certain parts of the race and was off the bridle at the top of the hill. When he latched on it all happened quickly and he stayed on really well.

“He's a nice prospect and a horse to look forward to.”

(GC & AM)