Trading Leather a horse to follow

Trading Leather who made an eyecatching debut in a Listed race at Leopardstown two weeks ago, duly dotted up in the mile maiden for two-year-olds at Gowran Park.

The Jim Bolger trained son of Teofilo was only beaten a length and three parts into second by Battle Of Marengo at Leopardstown and was sent off the warm 10/11 favourite to go one better in this 16-runner maiden.

Kevin Manning had the colt in the front rank and turning for home he had everything off the bridle. A furlong out, the pair were well clear and came home seven lengths to the good over Shadagann (16/1) for John Oxx and Declan McDonogh.

Another Oxx inmate – Qewy – took third under Ben Curtis at 25/1 from 33/1.

Disappointment of the race was Aidan O’Brien’s Group 1-entered Kingdom who finished fifth at 5/2.

Ger Flynn, travelling head lad for Jim Bolger said: “We are absolutely delighted with that. Kevin really likes him a lot. He had the experience of running in a Listed race the first day.

“Kevin didn’t actually realise he was seven lengths in front. He didn’t really get after him and he just kept lengthening all the time.

“He’ll make a smashing three-year-old. He loved the ground and the trip was no issue. He's a nice exciting horse to have.”

Trading Leather holds a host of Group 1 entries for this season and next season. Stan James have introduced him at 20/1 for the Derby.

(On course reporting by Alan Magee)