Well-backed Stepwise takes the last

The well-supported Stepwise took the last at Navan, the Pour Moi EBF Maiden, for John Oxx and Declan McDonogh.

The once raced, three-year-old son of Azamour was 2/1 this morning with Paddy Powers before going from an opening show on-course of 5/4 to 8/13 clear favourite at the off.

Having racing in second for much of the contest, he improved to challenge two furlongs out and he soon led.

He was ridden from there and he kept on well from over a furlong out to score comfortably by three and three parts of a length. Hue And Cry finished second for Wayne Lordan and David Wachman at 3/1 (was 8/1 this morning) while Al Murqab (20/1) kept on well to take third, a further three and three parts of a length back under Shane Foley for Andy Oliver.

John Oxx said afterwards: "I thought he was a miler. We’ll move him up to a conditions or listed race next. He has been showing us plenty at home and he is a nice looking horse."

The winner is a half-brother to Aznavour, Rhythm 'N' Blues and Blues In Cee all of whom won a race each for John Oxx.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham