Group 1 Hopeful Leads Smart Double For No Nay Never

Duke Of Mantua (2c No Nay Never - Pietra Dura, by Cadeaux Genereux) justified some lofty entries when running out a smart winner of Wednesday’s seven furlong maiden at Gowran Park.

Entered in both the Middle Park and Dewhurst Stakes, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt was sent off favourite following his promising debut third at the curragh last month. Seamie Heffernan rode the bay to chase the leaders and made headway from two furlongs out, asserting approaching the final furlong. Soon clear, he was eased down close home to win by two lengths and three quarters from Sword Zorro (Zoffany).

Speaking after the race, Heffernan said, “There was only going to be one winner from the furlong pole. Hopefully he keeps progressing.”

Owned by Coolmore partners, Duke Of Mantua was bought by Charlie Gordon-Watson as a yearling for 170,000gns. The son of No Nay Never was bred by Barouche Stud and is a half-brother to Grade 3 winner and Grade 1 runner-up Turning Top.

No Say Ever (4g No Nay Never - Edallora, by Refuse To Bend) completed a double on the card for No Nay Never when taking the maiden finale under Shane Foley.

Placed on his two previous starts, the Amanda Mooney-trained bay chased the leaders and was pushed along from three furlongs out. Producing a challenge approaching the two furlong marker, he led a furlong later and stayed on well to win by a length and a half.

Owned by N Reynolds, No Say Ever was bred by Hunter Valley Farm out of a close relation to dual Group 1 winner Ebadiya (Sadler’s Wells).