'Shark' wouldn't mind a Dozen like this mare Dime A Dozen (5/2) is a really tough and consistent mare and took the opening MansionBet Faller Insurance Mares’ Beginners’ Chase in the hands of Bryan Cooper. She was always in the front rank but conceded the lead to the 2/1 favourite Popong after a mistake three out. The daughter of Jeremy was back in front after two out and galloped away to win by eleven lengths. The race sponsors’ concession would have come in handy for several punters in this contest, with three mares coming down at the second last fence. The winner, who scored twice in point-to-points, had been a good second on her first start over racecourse fences at Killarney earlier in the month. Winning trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon said:"It was a brave call because her owners didn't want her to come here as they said it was too short, which it is for her, but she has now got the three E5,000 bonuses (for ITBA fillies who win a bumper, maiden hurdle and beginners chase) and there aren't many mares in the country who have done that. "She improved from the last run and everyone thought I was mad coming but if she didn't win today there was a lovely race for her in Cork, after Galway; with me the five grand (bonus) is the same as winning another race. "She missed the third last and was lucky she didn't come down at it but she did well to get back up and win. "I have no plan for her and the yard is flying." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
