Inxile made two successful visits to Naas a couple of seasons ago and it was as though he had never been away as he romped clear in the feature Woodlands Stakes.
The Listed contest fell to Dandy Nicholls’ sprinter in 2009 and he was always in command as he went after it again, with Fran Berry enjoying a trouble-free ride.
Inxile, sent off the 5-4 favourite, was soon bowling along in front and looked to have it sewn up entering the final quarter-mile before beating Knock Stars by three lengths.
Kevin Prendergast’s filly Obligada (2-1) was already a winner this season, having scored at Limerick recently, and she showed the benefit of race-fitness by taking the Naas Racecourse On Facebook Race.
She was settled in rear by Sam James, who brought her to challenge when long-time leader Honey Of A Kitten saw off favourite Deire Na Sli in the straight, and she battled to victory by a neck.
James Kelly, racing manager to owner Lady O’Reilly, said: “We’ll step her up to a mile and a quarter soon and, as her dam won six races from a mile and three-quarters to two miles, she’ll eventually step up to a mile and a half. Lady O’Reilly is keen to get black type for her too.”
John Oxx introduced a promising sort in Creekside (4-1 joint-favourite) in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed in the Naas Median Auction Maiden.
Johnny Murtagh led all the way on the three-year-old, who galloped on strongly to hold Catch The Eye by three lengths, with the pair finishing well clear of the opposition.
The trainer said: “We’ll aim Creekside at a handicap next and see how he gets on – it is difficult to place median auction maiden winners, but hopefully he’ll be able to move up the ladder a bit further.”
The Dermot Weld-trained Northern Rocked (9-2 favourite) defied a 9lb hike in the ratings for his Leopardstown victory last weekend as Leigh Roche pushed him five lengths clear in the Summer Barbeque Evenings Handicap.
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