Star strikes for McAuley Patience paid off with Mischief Star as he got back to winning ways in the opening claimer at Gowran Park this afternoon. The James McAuley-trained gelding had finished third on his most recent outing at Bellewstown but was an easy to back 14/1 shot today stepping up to an extended nine furlongs. Jake Coen tracked the leaders on the Due Diligence gelding before driving him into the lead a furlong-and-a-half from home. Despite hanging slightly left in the closing stages he went on to post a two-length win over Tooso. “That was brilliant to get. We've been a bit quiet on the grass, they've been running alright but we just haven't got a win on grass so it's grand to get that one out of the way,” said McAuley. “He hit every ridge in Bellewstown the last day and Colin (Keane) said then if he hadn't hit the ridges he was sure he would have won. “He was off for two years before we got him with a leg so if someone wants to take a punt they can. I said it about Big Challenge and I'll say the same thing about him. “You are literally rolling the dice and seeing how he is in the morning because he has had a leg. “I said to Jake he would either stay or not so to ride him as if he stays and if he doesn't it's on us and you've nothing to lose. “He's done the job for us. He only cost two-and-a-half grand so if someone takes him, he's in for eight and won six, we'll be alright.” Their were friendly claims for the winner and third horse Prince Of Verona. Eagle Terrace (€8,000) was claimed by Anthony Carey to be trained by Denis Hogan. Dick Donohoe claimed Star Official (€7,000) while Gavin Cromwell claimed Supposedtobe (€6,000).
