Yes I Am is clear under Chris Hayes at Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
The Hyland silks got a successful airing when the subsequent Group 3 winner Sruthan scored at Dundalk in March 2013. It was a case of more of the same when the well-touted Paul Deegan runner Yes I Am slammed the opposition on his debut in the Follow Us On Facebook Median Auction Maiden at the Dowdallshill venue tonight.
Equipped with a hood, Yes I Am, is like Sruthan, a son of Ballyhane Stud-based stallion, Arakan.
The 5/4 favourite led from two furlongs out and he was soon ridden clear by Chris Hayes.
He edged right briefly inside the final furlong but he stayed on strongly for an easy four and three parts of a length success over 66/1 shot Water Sprite
"He did it well and I'm happy with him. He's always shown plenty at home and did a couple of very nice pieces of work this year," said Deegan.
"He couldn't have done it much easier. He could be a horse for the Madrid Handicap or he could come back here for the three-year-old listed race over seven."
As regards wearing a hood he remarked: "We've always used it with him as he was a little on his toes early on and we've never taken it off him.
"He never put a foot wrong there and is a lovely straight-forward horse. We'll leave the hood on him now and not tempt fate.
"Hopefully he gives the boys a bit of fun and he looks another nice Arakan."
The Stewards informed W. McCreery, trainer that The Big Cat would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.
(GC & EM)
