Sixpack (2nd from left) and Shane Kelly© Photo Healy Racing
Sixpack showed stamina is his forte by following up a win at Roscommon last month and successfully stepping up in trip in the 1m6f Soil Ireland Turf Management Handicap at Fairyhouse. Out On Friday ensured this was a real stamina test setting a strong pace in front and had built up a lead of about 12 lengths by halfway.
The front-runner was still the one to catch a quarter of a mile out but Sixpack (7/2 favourite) built up a head of steam under Shane Kelly striking the front early in the final furlong.
The Sea The Moon gelding kept on well to score by three-quarters of a length from the fast-finishing The Names Jock with Bold Approach a further length and a half back in third.
Out On Friday completed the places in fourth.
Winning trainer Johnny Murtagh said, “I thought stepping up in trip might bring about a bit more improvement. He seems to stay well.
“We were running him over a mile and a quarter as he was a horse that travelled very well but the last time was a mile and a half and Ben (Coen) said there was no problem stepping up again.
“Shane done a good job on him. It was a true run race and he hit the line well. He’s a progressive horse.
“They are an Australian syndicate that are with me a while and are very lucky.
“There are a few staying races at the Curragh on Derby weekend, and he could be a horse for Galway. He might get up the hill in Galway.”
