Iowntheball strikes for veteran Curragh trainer Iowntheball confirmed the promise of his debut at the Curragh when justifying favouritism in the SBD Events Pro Median Auction Maiden at Down Royal. The Kevin Prendergast-trained juvenile filled third spot behind Orchidaceae on that first start and the form received a timely boost at Leopardstown yesterday evening. The son of Advertise was easy to back on track drifting out from 11/8 to 9/4 favourite but continued a great run for punters at the meeting making it five successful market leaders out of five. Gary Halpin’s mount led well over a furlong out and kept on well to beat Kodi’s Angel by a length and a half while Withoutfurtherado was a further neck adrift in third. Halpin said, "Good to ride the boss a two-year-old winner, he's a good sort and still very raw.He was b ought in a February Sale, so for him to achieve what he has achieved today is a testament to his ability. "He was quick out of the gates and travelled well and got a bit tightened for room after going a furlong or two. Ended up out on his own, but kept going well and he came forward from today. "When he got to the front a furlong down, he had a good look and actually nearly got me at the winning post - he spotted himself at the winning post and jinked, but I managed to hang on to him. "First time on a bend and it is a lot different to going straight at the Curragh. "Kevin was my first boss and I still go in a day a week and he's a great man." Quotes by Michael Graham
