Rumplestiltskin keeps unbeaten tag
The Danehill filly had already won on her debut over course and distance last month, but Kieren Fallon had to nudge her along quite soon in the six-furlong Listed contest.
Sent off the 8-11 favourite, she remained handy as Waterways made the pace but did not respond immediately when asked a question by her pilot.
Inside the final furlong Rumplestiltskin got the right idea and swept past Waterways to win by a length and a half, although she did no more than she needed to once in front.
Mick Quinlan’s British raider Dixie Belle was well enough placed as the leaders quickened up, but was caught rather flat-footed and had to settle for fourth.
Fallon reported: “She’s still very green and wants further. She will improve from that.”
Paddy Prendergast, trainer of second-placed Waterways, said: “We gave the winner 5lb and if that is their best filly, I’d be happy. We will have a look now but might go for the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot at York.”
Earlier in the card Richard Hannon’s raider If Paradise was just touched off in the Listed Naas Sprint Stakes, having to settle for second behind Moon Unit.
Pat Shanahan kept If Paradise close to the pace throughout the five-furlong contest, while 4-5 favourite Osterhase made the running.
But Moon Unit (7-1) made a late charge to join the front pair close home to land the spoils for Mick Kinane and trainer Harry Rogers, with If Paradise, in the middle of the trio, just half a length behind.
“It was nice for her to win and it was a good performance,” said Rogers.
“Mick was very good on her. She likes cut in the ground, but she got away with (firmer) ground today -there’s a good coating of grass and no jar.”
Asked about future plans for the filly, he replied: “I’ll turn her out in the paddock for a bit and we’ll have to see.”
Moon Unit’s listed race win was the highlight of a first ever treble for trainer Harry Rogers, who also scored with 16/1 shot Skerries in the 10 Furlong Fillies Handicap and Take A Tangle in the six furlong handicap.
Skerries made most in the opener, despite her saddle slipping immediately after the start and Rogers was full of praise for 17-year-old apprentice Chris Hayes after the race.
He said: “Chris is a very smart rider. The filly’s saddle slipped when she fly-jumped out of the stall and the fact that she sweats up easily didn’t help the situation.”
Kieren Fallon forced Take A Tangle up in the last 50 yards to complete the Rogers treble and the former British champion was also bringing his score for the day to three wins following earlier successes on Hippodrome and Rumplestiltskin for Aidan O’Brien.
Hippodrome was second reserve for the 10-furlong maiden and got a run when his stablemate Down Mexico Way had to be withdrawn due to a stone bruise. Fallon’s mount was all out to hold Society Milliner and survived a steward’s inquiry after wandering and holding on by a neck.
Empirical Power booked his place for Royal Ascot (at York) next week when making most and maintaining a strong gallop to win the Bill Whitehead Memorial race by two lengths under Declan McDonogh. Trainer Eddie Lynam nominated the Buckingham Palace Stakes as the immediate target for the four-year-old who is owned by Mrs Sabina Power, wife of rails bookmaker David Power.
