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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Gamble goes astray as Moore makes epic journey worthwhile

Sun 24th Sep 2023, 14:38

Gasper De Lemos comes home a comfortable winner under Ryan MooreGasper De Lemos comes home a comfortable winner under Ryan Moore
© Photo Healy Racing

A significant gamble on Flying Bay failed to materialise in the Pat 'The Duke' Leavy Irish EBF Maiden, with Gasper De Lamos ultimately running out a convincing winner.

Fourth of nine on debut at Leopardstown last month, the Aidan O'Brien-trained victor was sent off the 9/4 favourite under Ryan Moore, who was out of luck on his four rides at Rosehill in Sydney yesterday morning.

Out of a sister to three-time Group 1 winner Alice Springs, the Justify colt soon raced in a share of the lead and gained a definite advantage with over two-furlongs to race.

Ridden and pressed over a furlong out, the market leader soon kicked clear and came home three-lengths to the good.

The Dermot Weld-trained Taraj (10/3) filled the runner-up spot under Chris Hayes, while No Knee Never (10/1) came from off the pace to take third, another three-and-a-quarter lengths behind.

As big as 80/1 in early shows for this seven-furlong heat, the aforementioned Andrew Kinirons-trained Flying Bay eventually went off at just 9/2.

While in with every chance from the two-furlong pole, he soon faded under pressure and finished a well-beaten fifth.

"He had a lovely run the first time. Obviously he'll be very happy going back up to a mile and he'll be a middle-distance horse next year," said O'Brien.

"It's tough out there and they have to stay to get it.

"He's probably a Racing Post horse more than a Dewhurst horse. He'll get further, he's like all those Justifys when they go up in distance they grow a leg.

"He's a very good mover so I'm surprised he handles the ground. He's a lovely actioned horse."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
9/4Fav
Tote €3.30 €1.30
2nd
3L
10/3
€1.40
3rd
3.25L
10/1
€2.70
4th
0.75L
14/1
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.