WEEK 16 – 15th-21st APRIL, 2013

Killeagh flat jockey Liam Keniry had a million reasons to smile at the start of last week. Having done a lot of the groundwork at Kingsclere on the Andrew Balding trained Zanetto, he was duly rewarded for that hard graft with a big win at Newmarket.

Contesting the Tatterstalls Millions, a 3 year old sprint run over 6 furlongs with a first prize of £55,500, Zanetto (7/1) was fancied to go well even from what looked like a bad draw. Sharply away from stall one, Keniry positioned his mount just off the keen going leader Bungle Inthejungle (9/2), who set a good early pace. Asking for more from his mount at the two furlong marker, Keniry got the required response and hitting the front inside the final furlong, Zanetto saw the trip out well to win by three quarters of a length, from the late finishing Clancy Avenue (17/2) in second, with the unlucky in running Graphic Guest (16/1) back in third.

Zanetto looked fit and well pre-race and no doubt his trainer had him more forward than some of his rivals here. Balding went on to say, “He’s quite a stuffy horse and he blew up at Leicester. This race was the plan, and anything else is a bonus, but there’s a six furlong listed race at Ascot in a fortnight that we’ll have a look at.”

Liam went on to complete a double on the day when he travelled to Kempton Park for their evening card. Riding Great Demeanor (10/1) for trainer David Elsworth, he took a Classified Stakes race over seven furlongs.

Leading the field after two furlongs, Keniry set a slow early pace, hoping to be in prime position when kicking for home. But he was made to work hard when he did kick by the persistent challenge of Secret Beau (25/1) and only had a short diminishing three quarters of a length to spare at the line.

Dropped down in trip from eight furlongs Great Demeanor seemed fresh and well after almost a month off. He may find life a bit tougher in handicaps off 80 plus, but he may improve again for a return to turf.

Keniry said, “When the horse ran here last time he’d had a few quick runs and I think he is a better horse fresh. He stuck his head down and battled to the line.”

O’MEARA’S LANE SHARES THE SPOILS

Fermoy trainer David O’Meara had one of those rare dead-heat winners at Ripon with Sandy Lane (6/4f) last Thursday. Turned out a week after his Catterick win and running with only a 6Lb penalty, O’Meara’s charge was again sent off a well-backed short-priced favourite. Due to run off a rating of 81 in future handicaps, it could be said that this horse was well ahead of his mark of 74 here.

Ridden by Graham Gibbons, Sandy Lane broke well and chased the fast pace set by Barkston Ash. At the two furlong pole, you knew it wasn’t going to be all plain sailing for Sandy Lane. Hitting the front inside the final furlong he was immediately challenged and headed on the outside by Baccarat (13/8), his main market rival. Looking held, Gibbons somehow managed to get back up to join Baccarat on the line. The photo finish looked to favour Baccarat from this writer’s point of view. But how wrong I was and a dead heat was called.

It’s hard to know where O’Meara will go from here with Sandy Lane. It’s quiet possible he will have to run off a stone higher mark on his next run after this win.

Earlier that day O’Meara’s Move In Time went on to finish third in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket. The trainer was also the focus of the big interview in last Sunday’s Racing Post.

LOCALS GET THAT SUNDAY FEELING

Liscarroll jump jockey Richie McLernon was back on the scoresheet aboard Sentimentaljourney (7/2) for Castletownroche trainer Jonjo O’Neill at Stratford last Sunday.

Running in a 3m4f handicap chase, which was made less competitive with five horses withdrawing before the start, Sentimentaljourney had something to prove but had his supporters in the betting market.

Jumping boldly in McLernon’s hands, this son of Portrait Gallery was appreciating the drier ground and he never looked in any trouble from a long way home. Clear of his rivals from two fences out, he went on to win by seven lengths at the line from Gemini Ahhs (5/1). He had struggled in wet ground all winter and coming back from an 80 day break, he was able to show the real ability he has. Sentimentaljourney was also winning for the second time at Stratford having won a hurdle race there last August.

Speaking to The Avondhu, McLernon said, “He jumped brilliantly and travelled much sweeter today. His jumping definitely won him the race”.

McLernon was later unlucky not to have a double on the card for O’Neill, when touched off by a nose in a photo finish on Temple Lord.

For the second week running both Keniry brothers were in the winners circle. Jump jockey Barry taking an open looking handicap hurdle at Newcastle on Wolf Shield (7/1), for Middleham trainer George Moore last Sunday.

Having his fourth start over obstacles, this 6 year old son of King’s Theatre looked more than keen early on in this 2m6f contest. Pulling his way to the front at the seventh flight, he never sighted another horse and won with a bit in hand by two and three quarter lengths. He should have little trouble following up, with drying ground only of benefit and he looks to have a future over fences on this evidence.

Moore went on to say, “Wolf Shield has just come to himself. I might give him one more run over hurdles, but he is a chaser in the making.”

Castletownroche jump jockey, Brian Harding continues his good season and added one to his tally of 27 winners at Newcastle last Sunday. Riding Dun Masc (6/1) for Cartmel trainer James Moffatt in a good 3m handicap chase, Harding was seen at his strongest on this ex-Irish gelding.

With a strong early gallop being set by You Know Yourself and Ryan Mania, Dun Masc looked the least likely winner early on. Outpaced at the back of the field with a circuit to go and seemingly going nowhere, punters were more than likely tearing up their betting slips and heading for the front door. But there was hope that the early pace setters were going to pay the price at some stage and come back to the field.

And so it was – turning into the home straight, Dun Masc made huge strides on the leaders over the last few jumps. Finding himself in front after jumping the last, he went on to win by two lengths from the gallant You Know Yourself (17/2). This looked a polished and well-timed ride from Harding, who still belies his years in the saddle.