GOWRAN'S Avonmore Classic Trial last year hinted at the talent of eventual Yorkshire Oaks winner Key Change, but yesterday's Group One pointers weren't directed at the usual players.
The Aga Khan's Akdariya and Mrs John Magnier's Family Tradition dominated the market, but had to play second fiddle to the surprise winner, Buddy Marvel, owned and trained by Curragh permit holder John McLoughlin.
Some years ago it might not have been that much of a surprise. McLoughlin's big-race record would have made sure of that, but he has had to endure a relatively quiet spell since the glory days of Gloriella winning the 1988 Queen Mary at Royal Ascot. That experience however told McLoughlin that he has another Group prospect and yesterday's head defeat of Akdariya only proved it.
"This is a decent horse, the best I've had. I wanted to run him here at their last meeting but the ground wasn't right," McLoughlin said of his 12,500 gns Goffs purchase.
The ground was suitable yesterday and the Law Society colt thrived on it. When Family Tradition dropped out, Akdariya looked the likely winner but could not repel Buddy Marvel's admirably sustained challenge.
"I'm never likely to get one better than this and he'll now go for the Gallinule. Then it will be on to the Derby," McLoughlin enthused.
What A Hand's long-term objective is at the other end of the scale. After Philip Fenton's mount easily won the Tetratema Cup by 15 lengths, Edward O'Grady revealed that the gelding's American owner wants to run him in next season's Aintree Grand National. "I think he must be the best hunter chaser in Ireland now," O'Grady added.
The other odds-on favourite of the day, Clifdon Fog, didn't fare as well as What a Hand however. Tony McCoy was at work on Jim Bolger's horse from before the third last flight of the Avon more Handicap Hurdle and he eventually struggled home a distressed fourth
The big grey was completing a double for Aidan O'Brien, whose Crown Regent was a clever winner of the Douglas Fir Handicap. Welsh Queen was a persistent challenger through the last two furlongs, but Christy Roche never had to go for everything in Crown Regent's locker to win by half a length.
"Christy gave him a very good ride. The horse was always happy and enjoying himself," O'Brien said.
Dermot Weld's horses showed yet again they are coming back to their true selves when Smiling Brave stayed on well ahead of Zapata in the Copper Beach Maiden. "The horses are recovering. This horse ran very well at Tipperary first time out., but disappointed us the last day," Weld said.
Promising claimer Barry Geraghty rode his 12th winner on the horse who gave him his first when Stagalier made the most of her Weight allowance from Boro Bow in the Great Oak Handicap Hurdle.
Padraig English won the bumper on As Royal, but in the process picked up a five-day ban for using his whip excessively. Jamie Robinson on the fourth horse home, Dramatist, also received a ban, three days, for his use of the whip.
