Fourhometwo (Ben Coen) beats his cousin Andrew Slattery on Rebel Step© Photo Healy Racing
Most valuable event of the afternoon at Naas was the Blackwater Handicap and it saw a nice performance from top-weight Fourhometwo in the 40,000 Euro heat.
Measure Of Magic gave Johnny Murtagh and Ben Coen a noteworthy success in a Listed event at Navan yesterday and the in-form pair kept up the good work here.
It’s easy to see why Murtagh made Coen his stable jockey and the Tipperary man was again full of confidence in this mile event.
Fourhometwo raced in the rear of mid-division on the inner, taking a keen hold.
The son of Ajaya made headway into sixth two furlongs out and he was soon ridden.
Coming with his challenge between horses the winner was third a furlong out, improving to lead inside the final furlong, staying on well close home for a length and a quarter verdict over Rebel Step
The runner-up represented Coen’s uncle and cousin, Andy and Andrew Slattery.
“I didn’t think looking at the race today that he would be able to do it carrying the weight. The jockey gave him a great ride,” said Murtagh.
“I might run him, if he comes out of this alright, in the Tetrarch. He must be a Stakes horse to do what he did today.
“He said he got a lovely run around. The run and the ride probably helped.
“He’s probably a bit more mature this year. The gelding over the winter has helped him.
“He still wears a hood going to the start but I think mentally he’s really come forward and he’ll come forward from that run as well.
“He could get further than a mile if he keeps settling but we’ll keep him to seven or a mile for the moment.”
The Stewards enquired into an incident inside the final furlong involving Fourhometwo (GB), ridden by B.M. Coen, placed first and Alex D (GB), ridden by C.T. Keane, placed fifth, where it appeared that there was contact between Alex D (GB) and Fourhometwo(GB).
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
C.T Keane stated that he was nursing his mount with hands and heels but Fourhometwo(GB) arrived on his inner going the better and moved over to make his run. B.M. Coen stated that he arrived travelling well but was in a pocket and had to edge out to continue his run. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.
(AM & EM)
