Selective Power and James Ryan © Photo Healy Racing
A consistent gelding in recent starts, the James Ryan trained Selective Power just did enough to last home when registering a third career win in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Handicap at the Curragh.
An easy winner at Naas in July, the Thomas Coyle trained five-year-old had reached the frame on both subsequent starts.
Always to the fore here, the 12/1 chance led over a furlong out, kicking a couple of lengths clear with over 100 yards to race.
However, Hale Bopp emerged from out of the pack, flashing home late on to get within a head of the winner.
“The plan after Galway was to come here because of the good pot,” said Coyle.
“I actually really fancied him, I thought at the furlong pole he was going to come home on his own.
“James has done two pieces of work with him in the last week and we were confident.
“Fair play to the Curragh, for a small trainer like me to run for 20 grand is a big thing.
“My Dad hasn't been well and he actually shouldn't be here as he's had treatment but we expected him nearly to win so it was hard to keep him away!
“He'll keep going and we'll give him a run in ten days or so before the season ends. He probably would want a little bit more juice but got away with it.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
