Manassas diverts to Yarmouth this weekend
Manassas was diverted from a Group engagement this weekend to a much easier assignment at Yarmouth and those who took the tip were rewarded as the juvenile powered home as the 5-2 joint-favourite.
Brian Meehan’s youngster took in the Don’t Miss The Scrum – “Betlive” @ williamhill.com Maiden Stakes following a promising debut run at Newmarket.
And he strode out in good style to break his duck by two and a half lengths.
Meehan was represented by Jane Allison, who said: “He really came forward from Newmarket and Steve (Drowne) said he is nice horse and is very uncomplicated.
“He was in the Mill Reef, but came here instead.”
Richard Hills registered a 54-1 double for trainer Marcus Tregoning with two fine front-running performances, highlighted by Aajel’s victory in the £20,000 Halls Group ’Victory Vase’ Handicap.
The jockey sent the grey to the front soon after the off in the mile-and-six-furlong event and the 15-2 chance kept up the gallop for a half-length success from the 2-1 favourite Irish Quest.
Hills said: “He is a big horse and he needs to be bowling along. I had to be positive on him as he does nothing quickly and just keeps galloping. He will stay forever.”
The double was initiated as Tayarat (11-2) avoided traffic problems out in front to cosily land the attheraces.com Free Video Nursery.
Colin Cornes’ association with Ed Dunlop bore its first winner as Pinkindie overcame newcomer Robby Bobby to take the EBF/Custom Kitchens Maiden Stakes.
The mount of Jimmy Fortune, Cornes’ first horse in Dunlop’s yard was keen early and looked as though he had a stiff task to reel in Mark Johnston’s runner but the 8-13 favourite knuckled down to collect by a neck.
Dunlop said: “Mark Johnston’s horse looks above average, but we had the benefit of a couple of runs and it was a pleasing performance.”
Johnston’s arduous journey from North Yorkshire was far from in vain, however, as he was on hand to witness Atlantic Coast’s dramatic success in the two-mile Stewart Bullard & Son Grounds Maintenance Handicap.
The 15-8 favourite led three furlongs out and was then challenged by Prince Zafonic, whose battling qualities were outnumbered by Johnston’s raider who scored by a neck.
Johnston said: “He is improving with every run and is in the Cesarewitch, but is right down the bottom of the weights.”
Tom Dascombe went to 4,800 guineas to buy-in Adam Eterno after the 16-1 shot made all in the Back Your Team And “Betlive” @ williamhill.com Selling Nursery.
Dascombe did his bidding via phone, and was represented by John Pennington, who said: “We think there may be more mileage in him. He travelled well in the race and the step up to a mile suited him.”
Ian Wood ended a 41-day losing run as 33-1 outsider Wadnagin finished with a full head of steam to claim the Be In The Game “Betlive” @ williamhill.com Handicap.
