3 minute read

Big targets ahead for Hogan-trained speedster.

Make A Challenge  outclassed his rivals to win the A.R.M. Holding Curragh Sprint Stakes with ease.

Denis Hogan's course specialist took his winning tally to five at the Curragh, sitting off the pace initially but challenging inside the last two furlongs and then storming clear under Joe Doyle.

The 9-4 winner never needed to come under serious pressure and had four lengths to spare at the line from 20-1 shot Downforce, with Schroders Mistake a neck further back in third at 66-1.

Make A Challenge, previously second to A'Ali in the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh, has more high-profile targets in his sights after this six-furlong Listed success.

Hogan said: "That was impressive. I wasn't expecting that, to be honest. I was expecting Speak In Colours (6-5 favourite, sixth) to give us a right test and probably beat us.

"I thought we were always better over five, but that is his ground. There aren't too many horses that would live with him on that ground, he just motors through it.

"This was only a stepping stone to the Flying Five here on Champions Weekend. He's in Tipperary during the week in a Listed race.

"We don't work him much at home. He's been coming here, picking up prize-money and using races to step to another race.

"We just feel he's better fresh like that and he's had a little break, I'd say he's really freshened up well.

"This time last year he came alive and hopefully he is coming good again."

He added: "There is a good programme. There is the Flying Five, the Abbaye and Champions Day at Ascot. We'll look at the three of them.

"It's great for Joe as well, he's having a good run of it. Hopefully it keeps raining and if the horses keep running like that I'll be happy.

"I wouldn't say Battaash is unbeatable, but he's going to be very hard to beat. You'd be disappointed that A'Ali didn't show more (in the Nunthorpe) as he beat us here, but that was on better ground.

"Obviously we are better on this type of ground."