The Irish Stallion Farms EBF C&G Maiden at Leopardstown this evening may well prove to be an above average contest in time, with victory going to the Jim Bolger trained newcomer Zip Top under Kevin Manning.

Carrying the colours of Sheikh Mohammed, the son of Smart Strike made all and eventually held the challenge of the Aidan O’Brien trained Tenth Star another to run encouragingly, by half a length.

Afterwards Bolger stated “Zip Top is a smart horse and will go down the same route as any of the good two year olds. Kevin (Manning) said he could even go back to six furlongs.”

Bolger added “I have three two year olds for Sheikh Mohammed this year; Zip Top and two fillies. One has already run at The Curragh while the other will take more time. I had a three year old for him last year but he didn’t run.”

Thomas Weekes