Going - Soft. Overcast, showers possible
Jackpot Pool - 7,323.00 Dividend - 2,746.00 Winning Units - 2. Placepot Pool - 13,465.26 Dividend - 86.50 Winning Units - 117. Days Aggregate - 90,851.00 Last Year 88,057.00
Marinebird Takes Navan Opener
She slipped down the ratings. We had a few niggling problems with her last year but the vets did a good job with her and we have her back now. Davy said she travelled well on the ground and hopefully she can win another one if the handicapper isn't too hard on her. (EM)
Extra Pound No Hindrance to Cihangir
He did it well. The soft ground probably flattered the performance. He is for a new owner (Anthony Bonomo) who has a lot of horses in New York. This horse has won twice for him now which is a great start for him in Ireland.
Jumbajukiba Takes Navan's Listed Sprint
I'm thrilled with him. The ground is the key to him. We'll campaign him now whenever the ground is right over trips from six furlongs to a mile. The mile stretches him a little bit and we'll probably next go for the Group 3 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh (May 23rd, will only go there if the ground is soft).
Wave Justifies Market Confidence
That was a bit of a fright. At declaration time the ground was only supposed to be yielding so when the extra rain came I had thought about withdrawing him but felt as he was the only one in the race with experience, I'd let him take his chance. He wants seven furlongs to a mile, he is a very professional two-year-old and wants top of the ground. This is my first horse for the owner, Seamus Dunne, and it was important that we got off to a good start. (EM)
44/1 Double for Weld & Smullen
You have to take your opportunities when they present themselves but it may not have been the strongest contest. (EM)
Alandi Grabs the Limelight
We had plenty looking to buy him at the end of last season as a hurdler but he is very well bred and we decided to hold on to him. He holds back a bit in his work and I was a bit worried as to if he was fit enough. He should improve from the run and will next go for the Saval Beg Stakes (May 28th) and possibly followed by the Curragh Cup (June 27th). (EM)
The ground is the key to the horse and he is crying out for a mile and a half. I was afraid to look at the calendar to see where he would go until he won his maiden, it was very important that he did that. Fran said that he has grown up so much from last year. (EM)
Latham Doubles-Up in Finale
He is a cast-off of Lady O'Reilly. He has come to himself and is very sound and easy to train and I would have no doubt that he will stay a mile and a half. He is from a good family and is by a sire that would like that ground. (EM)