RAADOBARG (108) clocked a time-figure and associated sectionals of a stakes performer when winning the Irish Lincolnshire Handicap as Johnny Murtagh made a blistering start to the new season at the Curragh on Saturday.

Ben Cohen was supremely confident on the son of Night Of Thunder and his supporters, of which there were many judged on the morning support, never had an anxious moment.

Still towards the rear passing the three-furlong marker, the four-year-old burst through two gaps as they presented themselves on his way to a closing sectional of 36.8secs with Cohen only adding his persuasion once the partnership was in the clear and on the way to a two-length victory.

Closing sectional

Over the same course and distance, Mother Earth (98+) stopped the clock at 37.2secs for the closing sectional and, with the overall time two seconds slower, I would have expected Aidan O’Brien’s filly to have at least surpassed the Lincolnshire winner’s closing sectional.

Having recently transferred across the Irish Sea from trainer Roger Varian, the Amo Racing colt was fitted with a first-time tongue for his Irish racing debut, which may well have contributed to the improvement, although to my eye there was more substance to the performance given the confidence with which he was ridden.

It was tough justice on Comfort Line (106) who was running well in the first big handicap of the season for the second consecutive season. Wesley Joyce did well from his high draw to take up a prominent position along with Fil The Power, In From The Cold and Yafordadoe who all finished well beaten, adding further credibility to the performance of Michael Mulvany’s gelding.

The application of cheekpieces would appear to have helped the five-year-old and he belied his current handicap rating so would certainly be of interest on his next assignment, especially if dropping in grade.

Smooth Star

Star Harbour (105) steered the smoothest passage through the race and is ideally suited by big field handicaps over a mile having also run well in the Irish Cambridgeshire at this venue at the end of last season.

The other eyecatchers were Casanova (104) who, under his inexperienced rider, finished off well from a similar position to the winner passing the three-furlong marker and Tazaral who would benefit from returning to 10 furlongs.

MALEX (100+) was the quicker overall of the seven-furlong maiden winners at the Curragh and through the closing sectional to initiate a double for AMO Racing.

Michael O’Callaghan’s debutant edged out Boundless Ocean (100) on the line and looks destined for a step-up in grade with the Leopardstown Guineas Trial a possible target.

The son of Kodiac covered the ground from the three-furlong marker in 37.1secs despite being the first off the bridle. The impression he created was stepping up in trip would not be a problem.

Of those to catch the eye in behind, I would recommend a tracker entry for Culcor (92+) who will step forward for his racecourse debut for the all-conquering Ger Lyons and Colin Keane alliance, and Aghaboy (90) looks a likely type for a low-grade handicap.

PERFECT Thunder (95) clocked 37.5secs for the closing sectional when prevailing in the Curragh fillies and mares contest as, along with Toy (95) the pair exerted their experience over the field.

The also experienced Karkiyna (92) ran a promising for the Lincolnshire Handicap winning trainer, coming home strongly after extricating herself from a pocket.