I’m A Gambler comes up trump for Marquand and Johnstons

Alan Magee
September 10, 2022 1:38 pm

Big Leopardstown handicap sees British-trained one-two.

There was British-trained one-two in the EURO 150,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Sovereign Path” Handicap at Leopardstown, with the Charlie and Mark Johnston-trained I’m A Gambler holding off the late charge of John Quinn’s Safe Voyage.

Ridden by Tom Marquand, I’m A Gambler – last seen finishing fifth in the Group Three Supreme Stakes at Goodwood – was never far from the pace, while in contrast Safe Voyage and Jason Hart had to make up lots of ground from the rear having been drawn in stall 19.

Half a length was the official margin for the 18-1 shot, and Marquand – making his first ride at the Dublin track a winning one – said: “I’m obviously getting a bit lucky with these Irish tracks coming over and having a first go round, but to be fair we had all the help there with a good draw.

British success in the EURO 150,000 @IrishEBF_ ‘Sovereign Path’ Handicap!
I’m A Gambler (18/1) gets a lovely ride from @TomMarquand to land a big pot for @Johnston_Racing as the visitors fill the first two places at @LeopardstownRC #LICW22 pic.twitter.com/I6vhqeV4Dg
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 10, 2022

“He was nice and relaxed in behind the lead and got a good run through when we needed it.

“The track rode a bit sharper than I’d imagined from watching it.”

A philosophical Quinn added: “He was a long way back – through no fault of the rider – and nearly got there, but well done to the winner – the winning post is where it is! We knew he’d love Leopardstown and he ran very well.”

Zarinsk landed the Listed Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes.

The Ger Lyons-trained filly won a good maiden at the Curragh in May and was then fourth in both her following runs, the Airlie Stud Stakes and the Silver Flash Stakes, Group Two and three contests respectively.

Down in grade and a 9-2 chance in the hands of Colin Keane, the Juddmonte-owned two-year-old ran prominently on the inside rail and broke away from Aidan O’Brien’s Library (2-1 favourite) to prevail by two lengths.

“She’s a lovely filly. We’ve been blessed, our fillies have been pretty precocious this year and they’ve all won their maidens well,” Lyons said.

“They need to step up then to stakes racing. She was a work in progress for the season, and still is I’d say.

“I’ll to talk to the boys and the (Abdullah) family, but I could see us putting her away for next year. She’s got a lovely stride and Colin is quite confident of her getting a mile.”