Srucahan off the mark Srucahan broke his duck in good style when running out a cosy winner of the three-year-old maiden at Tipperary. Chris Hayes bounced his mount out in front and had Dream Applause for company in the early stages. The 4/5 favourite edged ahead two furlongs out, however, and kicked clear before the furlong post. Paul Deegan's charge kept on strongly in the closing stages and was a length-and-a-half too strong for September Lily, wo kept on nicely to fill the runner-up spot. The winner had run well when second at Naas on his last start and the form was boosted by the third, Atacx, winning since. "He's not winning out of turn and deserves to get his head in front," said Deegan. "The ground seems to be the key to him as he loves to get his toe in. Chris said riding him today was like riding on good ground. "He is what he is and that will do his confidence the world of good. Hopefully he'll give us a bit of fun next year and make into a right little sprinter." (GC & TW)
