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Michael Graham
Spider Zagato stays on stoutly
Spider Zagato beating Zalantoun at Tramore
© Photo Healy Racing
Two races in at Tramore and two short-priced favourites beaten into second - this time John Oxx’s even money Zalantoun found Spider Zagato (11/2) too tough at the finish.
Ben Curtis was on board Zalantoun and quickly set out to make all in the mile and a half maiden. However, he couldn’t shake off Wayne Lordan and Spider Zagato who pulled level a furlong out and stayed on stoutly for a three parts of a length success.
This win brought up Lordan’s half century for the season and he’s right in the mix for a first flat jockeys’ title, six behind Pat Smullen. The in-form jockey has won on five of his last 10 rides.
Lordan said of the Tommy Stack-trained colt: “He stays really well, but he was very green in Killarney. He improved a bit from there and hopefully he’ll improve again.”
Spider Zagato had run fourth of 10 in a one mile six maiden at Killarney on yielding ground on July 18.
John Oxx was looking to keep an incredible 61 per cent strike-rate going at Tramore. His Zalantoun, who finished second, was 10 lengths clear of third-placed Our Breff at 14/1. Dante Inferno was pulled up by Declan McDonogh over three furlongs from home when he lost his action.
(on course reporting by Donal Murphy)