Imadpour

Imadpour finished only joint-fifth in the seven-furlong juveniles’ maiden that opened proceedings at The Curragh on Sunday, but he ran better than his finishing position suggests. Smartly away form stall nine and in the front rank from early, he was keen through the early part of the race. Taken back behind horses by Ronan Whelan after they had gone a furlong, he was still keen even with a lead, and he moved up again on the outside of early leader Glazunov. He moved into the lead on the run to the two-furlong marker, and he travelled as well as any of his rivals at that point. He picked up nicely too for pressure as they raced to the furlong marker, but he was headed inside the final furlong by the ultimate winner Proud And Regal, and he just tired late on as his early exertions probably took their toll, losing one and a half places inside the final 50 yards.

It was still a most encouraging debut by Michael Halford’s colt. By Le Havre and out of a mare who won over a mile and a half, he should progress for this experience, and he should do better when he learns to settle better. He showed plenty of pace here, but he still should do better for stepping up in trip. He was a big price here, he was allowed go off at 25/1, but he should be winning his maiden soon before stepping up in grade.
The Curragh, 26^th June 2022