Timawari gave odds-on punters a few moments of worry before landing the spoils in the mile maiden at a well-attended Cork.
The Aga Khan's home-bred four-year-old grey, by Sadler's Wells out of the multiple Group 1 winner Timarida, showed coltish tendencies both in the parade ring and when asked for an effort in the straight by John Murtagh.
John Oxx's charge had at least three lengths to make up on Sigourney approaching the final furlong but, despite carrying his head very high, really lengthened his stride in the final 150 yards to score by a length. 'Hopefully a few races will help to calm him down. He will be a hard horse to place, and we'll see what mark the handicapper gives him,' said Oxx.
Odds-on punters were also on the mark in the featured three miles chase when Kadoun readily eclipsed his three rivals. The six-year-old eased clear between the final two fences, and amateur rider Denis Cullen said afterwards, 'He handled the faster ground well, and could be a Galway Plate horse.'
Mr Wong benefitted from a patient ride by Fran Berry when swooping late to take the mile and a half handicap, while Pat Smullen showed his strength when getting Mobane Flyer home by a neck in the six furlong maiden.
Sabadilla, trained and ridden by Pat Verling, showed a great turn of foot on the run-in to touch off Proletariat by a length and a half in the handicap hurdle, while Daniels Hymn is likely to go chasing soon after justifying favouritism in workmanlike fashion under Shay Barry in the maiden hurdle.
Alan Magee
