Alkasser sprints to impressive success Alkasser was soundly beaten when well-backed on debut over a mile at the Curragh last month but those who kept faith were rewarded as a drop in trip and better ground proved just the trick in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. The Shamardal colt was maintaining the blistering start to the season for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen when drawing right away in the closing stages for an impressive success in this six-furlong event. Available at 9/2 this morning and backed on course from 3/1 into 5/2, Alkasser quickened to such effect inside the final furlong that he’d six lengths to spare over Champagne Or Water. Newcomer Earth Drummer was nearly two lengths further away in third, while odds-on favourite Tango Time ran freely early and found little to finish back in fourth. Kris Weld said, “He’s a fine big, strong horse and is from the family of Dandy Man. We thought he’d run a lot better at the Curragh but he found things a struggle in the last furlong. “The drop back in distance was a big help and hopefully there is improvement to come. We’ll keep him to sprint distances.” Smullen added, “He travelled very well for me at the Curragh but just stopped and quite rightly the boss said he probably didn’t stay. He’s developing a bit of pace and hopefully he’ll progress into a nice sprinter.” Dylan Hogan was taken to hospital for xrays on his collarbone after a fall from Stingy Jack about a furlong out. The stewards enquired into the incident finding Tom Madden guilty of careless riding, and he was given a five days suspension. (TW & AM)
