Deficit edges thriller
Democratic Deficit picked up the winning thread with a hard-fought victory in the Ballycorus Stakes at Leopardstown this evening.
The Jim Bolger-trained three-year-old, third to Dubawi in the Irish 2000 Guineas on his last run, was made to battle all the way down the straight to get the better of Zarad.
Kevin Manning had Democratic Deficit well placed just behind the leaders coming off the final bend in the seven-furlong Group Three contest and threw down his challenge at the same time as Zarad.
The pair were locked in a terrific duel before the 8-13 favourite edged into the lead for a head victory, with Simple Exchange running on really well to take a close-up third.
It was the winner’s second victory of the season as he landed the Craven Stakes at Newmarket before returning to HQ to finish sixth in the 2000 Guineas.
Bolger revealed that Democratic Deficit’s bridle had been changed to make him an easier ride.
“But he objected to it all the way and we were lucky to get away with it,” he said.
He would not rule out a trip to Royal Ascot at York next week, but added: “I’ll just sleep on it and we’ll wait and see.”
