Oxx's Miss Keller takes Ulster Oaks

JOHN OXX yet again hit the bullseye in a feature race as Miss Keller proved too good for her rivals in the EBF Coolmore Stud Ulster Oaks Fillies Handicap at Down Royal yesterday.

The 9 to 2 favourite travelled ominously well throughout under Fran Berry, who was sat motionless as the daughter of Montjeu swept to the front before the turn for home.

Timoca proved a willing rival as she went in pursuit down the straight, but Miss Keller was always doing enough to take the valuable prize by a length and a quarter.

Berry said: “The race worked out well for her and she ran on strong at the finish. The longer trip today helped and as a Montjeu the rain helped.”

Charlie Swan’s Rajik swooped fast and late to grab top honours in the feature Cry Raceday at Gowran Park Handicap.

Held up by 10lb claiming jockey Joseph O’Brien, the consistent four-year-old made steady headway from halfway but still looked to have plenty on his plate when Truckers Delight hit the front over a furlong from home.

However, the 8 to 1 chance found a new gear deep into the two-mile contest and he raced clear to score by three lengths.

Cabin Point got the better of Cloone Stream in a thrilling battle for the spoils in the Jack Duggan Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

The Jessica Harrington-trained winner was given a fine ride by Andrew Leigh, who produced the 14 to 1 chance approaching the final flight.

Market leader Cloone Stream fought hard all the way to the line but finished three-quarters of a length in arrears.

Montecchio (6 to 4) gained a deserved win in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. Fourth first time out, Kevin Prendergast’s Acclamation colt had since posted two solid seconds at Leopardstown and duly confirmed recent superiority over Boxing Day, who could finish only third.

Settled in behind the early leaders, Declan McDonogh’s mount led just over a furlong out and ran on strongly to beat Marfach by two and a half lengths.

Outsider (33 to 1) Cothrom Na Feinne made a winning return to Flat action in the 28th June Open Fourball At Gowran Park Handicap.Racing in the colours of Jacqueline Bolger, Des McDonogh’s inmate made all under Willie Supple and held the late challenge of Keen Look by a length.