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Michael Graham
Fluidity loves the summer soft going
Fluidity opens up a lead at Gowran Park
© Photo Healy Racing
Fluidity came from last to first to win going away in the hands of Emmet McNamara in the extended mile and one handicap at Gowran Park.
The three-year-old was in good heart after a break of 53 days following a poor run in eighth at the Curragh, a race in which Vedani (one of his rivals today) finished second.
Fluidity was popular in the betting ring, from 6s down to an SP of 9/2, but Vedani went off the 7/4 market leader.
Vedani, for John Oxx and Niall McCullagh, didn’t give his real running today as he trailed in last of the five runners.
Fluidity hit the front over a furlong out and stayed on well to win by six lengths from Brog Deas (3/1). Prince Jock came in third, another two lengths down, at 3/1.
“I’m delighted with that. He had been working really well at home. He enjoyed the summer soft ground here today just like he did when he won at Navan,” Shane Lyons, assistant trainer to Ger Lyons, said.
“He didn’t enjoy the heavy ground at the Curragh last time out. Emmet gave him a great confident ride and he knows the horse better than anyone else as he rides him out at home.
“He’ll go for more of the same now. The owner Vincent Gaul is from Skerries, Co Dublin.”
This was in-form McNamara's fifth winner from his last 18 rides.
Yesterday’s Tramore winner Quench The Flame was a non runner as he was lame.
(on course reporting by Donal Murphy)