Steps In The Sand follows-up on Bellewstown success

Written by Donal Murphy

Steps In The Sand (4/1) followed-up on her Bellewstown success, as she led home 13 rivals in the Tote Multiples Available On Tote.ie Apprentice Handicap.

Upped just 4lb for her recent win, the Ciaran Murphy-trained six-year-old was settled behind the leaders by Patrick McGettigan and while pushed along from the three-furlong pole, she soon swept to the front.

Ridden and skipping a few lengths clear on the approach to the straight, she needed to be kept up to her work in the closing stages, holding off the effort of Bhean Saibhre by half-a-length.

The runner-up, who met with trouble in running, was returned the 3/1 favourite under Jack Cleary for Aidan Howard, with the front pair drawing nine-lengths clear of Pegasus Of Harry (25/1) in third.

"It's taken a little while for us to get the hang of her but she's come good in the last month or six weeks," Murphy, who trains the winner for the Zoom Buddies Syndicate, reflected.

"We were hoping she'd follow up today as she's been really well at home. We were very happy with her, even though we were dropping back a furlong.

"I'd say from here and upwards is probably good for her.

"She's still probably on an alright mark over hurdles but I think we'll stay on the Flat for the moment and see where she can get to.

"Cian Collins did a great job with her when he had her and she's probably just freshened up again for being somewhere different.

"Hopefully there is another one in her on the back of that. It looks like she hit the line strong.

"I'd say we'll wait until after Galway and go to Sligo, there is a nice race for her there. We'll try and follow up again and then see what happens after that."