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Review DUNDALK 28TH SEP

Johnny Murtagh was seen at his brilliant best on the polytrack when recording a 419/1 treble aboard Be Fantastic and the Eoin Griffin-trained pair King Cannavaro and South Wing.

Be Fantastic was prominent throughout in the 6f juvenile maiden, staying on gamely under a really strong drive by Murtagh to beat Willoughby Bay by 3/4L.

'He's a good, tough horse and should make up into a nice handicapper,' said winning trainer Ger Lyons.

Murtagh picked up a one day suspension for his use of the whip which is due to fall on Arc day (October 7) but he can apply to have that date deferred under the Group 1 race rule.

King Cannavaro is a Dundalk already and the 14/1 chance just got up inside the final 50 yards to deny John Hills' British raider Landucci by 1/2L in the 60-80 rated mile handicap.

'He won a trial race here but we were a bit disappointed with him at the opening meeting last month when he didn't stay the 10f. I think he could make a nice jumper next season,' said Griffin.

South Wing and Davidii fought out a terrific finish to the concluding ten furlongs handicap, and again Murtagh's strength proved decisive as he just came out on top.

'Johnny's on fire and hopefully this horse can come back here in a fortnight or so for something similar,' said a delighted Griffin.

Bett's Spirit got off the mark at the third time of asking when the Michael Grassick-trained filly justified favouritism in the five furlong juvenile race.

Seamie Heffernan tucked her in behind the leaders from an unfavourable wide draw and, after getting a gap over a furlong out, quickened up to beat Dohasa by 3/4L.

The trainer's son and namesake said afterwards, 'We've always liked her alot and Seamie said they didn't go fast enough and she idled in front.'

He added, 'She still holds an entry in the Cheveley Park Stakes and I'm confident she will stay six furlongs.'

Chris Geoghegan and Pat Shanahan were 'a bit sore' but lucky to escape injury when Zarandja slipped up and brought down Hi Spec on the entrance into the straight in the 42-60 rated mile handicap.

Shanahan will have to pass the doctor before riding at the Curragh on Sunday, while victory here went to Amachine who held on by a diminishing 1/2L under Billy Lee from Twinny Byrne.

Clear championship leader Pat Smullen also earned plenty of plaudits for his ride on Kalinka Malinka in the seven furlong fillies maiden.

The well-backed 11/4 chance ran freely in the first half of the race but was galvanised by Smullen to lead in the final stride and touch off newcomer Mary Josephine.

De La Grandera was all the rage in the claimer but found little under pressure in the straight and eventually could only manage fourth spot behind the Fran Berry-ridden Not To Know.

Alan Magee