Balladiene toughs it out Balladiene got on top in the closing stages to record back-to-back successes in the jogforjockeys.ie Handicap at Gowran Park. Jarlath Fahey's charge was under pressure turning for home but battled gamely to get into contention inside the final furlong. Ronan Whelan drove his mount into the front in the final 100 yards to land the spoils. Jumbo Steps made a bold bid from the front, sticking on well after appearing keen early on, and the 20/1 went down fighting by a length-and-three-quarters. Fit The Cove became the meat in the sandwich when the winner and third-placed Daring Man came close just inside the final furlong. The stewards reversed the third and fourth placings with Fit The Cove promoted after just failing by a short-head to catch Daring Man. The winner was sent off 7/2 joint favourite following her success at Leopardstown 12 days ago. "She's a very tough little filly and loved that deep ground," said Fahey. "Ronan knows her well and he knows to keep her going as when the rest of them cry enough she keeps going. "We'll see what the handicapper does and she'll probably go for the good fillies handicap on Oaks weekend at the Curragh." The other joint-favourite Love Is The Key had every chance in the straight before fading to finish seventh. (On course reporting by Alan Magee)
