Versilia Gal springs an upset

Pat Martin’s Versilia Gal (10/1) came out best in a bunch finish to Navan’s opening six furlong two-year-old maiden with Ben Curtis in the saddle.

Despite only six runners going to post all had chances coming into the final furlong but Martin’s filly forged on best up to the rain-soaked hill to score by half a length from Patrick Prendergast’s Katchy Lady at 4/1.

“I was in two minds to run her. I had no idea if she would handle the ground but Ben said she handled it and seven furlongs would be no problem to her,” Pat Martin said.

“She’s gutsy and brave and maybe I’ll look at a Galway nursey for her. That was a step up in her form today and she got a fair bump a furlong out.” Cool Metallic took third at 12/1 for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen a further half a length away while Aidan O’Brien’s unraced George Vancouver was sent off even money favourite but was beaten over three and a half lengths in fifth place.

The going was changed from soft to heavy after this race.

Michael Graham