ANDREA Atzeni was in inspired form as he booted home Splinter Cell to land an extended mile handicap at Beverley on July 20. The Italian apprentice underlined why he is highly regarded with a strong and decisive display that resulted in the Marco Botti-tained three-year-old recording his second career success.
Enjoying the underfoot ease, Splinter Cell was held up towards the rear before Atzeni switched him left approaching 2f out. For a moment or two, it appeared as if he was outpaced. But the son of Johannesburg, who has been racing over further this season, was simply building into a rhythm.
As the long-term leader Peaceful Rule found second wind in the final furlong, Splinter Cell was eating up the ground in hot pursuit.
And the 9/4 shot was driven out by Atzeni in the last strides to get a favourable verdict from the judge, emerging victorious by a nose from the photo finish.
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