Givemethebeatboys (left) and Shane Foley beating Betsen© Photo Healy Racing
Givemethebeatboys got his season off to a winning start but only just when edging out Betsen in a thrilling finish to the Space Traveller Irish EBF Committed Stakes.
The son of Bungle Inthejungle won the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes last year and was also placed at Group 1 level in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes.
Betsen hit the front about 150 yards out in this Listed contest but the Jessica Harrington-trained 13/8 favourite rallied gamely in the closing stages to land the spoils.
Shane Foley ’s mount got the verdict by a head with My Mate Alfie a length and a quarter back in third.
Harrington said, "He toughed it out well. He did everything wrong in a way because he was free early on, took a blow at the furlong pole and Shane had to wait for him.
"The other horse (Betsen) had had a run, and he will be much better for that. That will sharpen him up a lot.
"He was good with the penalty on him. He got rolling again and was always going to get there.
"He'll go to Naas now and then the plan is the Commonwealth Cup."
Paddy Power and Betfair make the winner 16/1 (from 25/1) for the Commonwealth Cup.
Quotes by Michael Graham
