CREPELLO - Contrasting fortunes for Hogan at Clonmel

CREPELLO

 

Denis Hogan experienced contrasting fortunes at Clonmel on Wednesday, after taking the opening four-year-old maiden hurdle courtesy of Cafe Con Leche, he had to endure a nightmare as Bal De Rio was beaten a short head in the novice hurdle and Young Dev simply threw away the two mile and four novice handicap chase by jumping out to his left at the final two fences.

The Camacho gelding Cafe Con Leche got the meeting off to a flying start for the trainer with a comfortable success in the two mile juvenile hurdle in the hands of Hogan himself.

Having been placed in two of his previous outings over hurdles, Cafe Con Leche enjoyed a nice following in the betting market in spite of the confidence behind the 4/11 favourite Oak Park.

Hogan settled his mount just off the pace before moving him into contention off the home turn. At this point, Miss Oriental had just hit the front, however, the lead was short lived as Cafe Con Leche took over after the second last flight and drew steadily clear to land the spoils by four and a half lengths from Miss Oriental.

In his post race remarks, Hogan revealed that he will give his charge, who runs in the colours of his father Martin, time plenty of time. He is versatile in terms of ground and could well be decent.

Oak Park was a huge disappointment. He was never travelling well and rider Davy Russell decided to call it a day after the penultimate obstacle. He was reported to be lame behind post race and no doubt he will have better days when the ground improves.