Saraqael storms home for Cody

Saraqael surged away from the field once he hit the front inside the final furlong of the Bathshack Miaden at Galway.

Billy Lee 's mount sat in touch in fifth behind Melnik racing past the three marker in this extended mile contest.

He availed of a seam along the rail to close approaching the straight and was switched out in third coming to the final furlong.

Melnik looked vulnerable and so it proved as Saraqael arrived at the head of affairs with 200 yards to go. The race was soon over as he was ridden clear by Lee to prevail by two and three quarter lengths at 5/1. Samuel Pepys came through for second at 9/2. Lizzy's Filly was half a length further back in third at 25/1, a neck in front of Adonis (11/2).

“He's a lovely horse. He could go further, but on that ground I was happy enough he had enough pace for a mile,” said trainer Ray Cody.

“When we step up in trip I'd say he'll be better. Billy said he'll get a mile and a half down the line if we need to.

“He travelled fierce well and Billy said he can only improve as he still rides very raw. It's only his third run and he's a big green horse, even for around here he's a big unit.

“He ran through the line really well and I'm delighted with him.

“He's progressing and I was in no panic after Gowran, we said we'd give him a nice break.

“He's better when he has an ease. Billy said he'll handle all grounds but even at home he loves an ease in the ground and the more rain that came the more confident I was today.

“We'll see what the handicapper does and he's a horse that could end up getting black-type on the Flat, I don't think he's too bad and there is a lot more to come.

“We might look for a winners race and see what the owners want to do, they are brilliant supporters of mine. Every year they give me two or three and it's great to get a winner for them here.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson