Impressive run by Brazilian Bride
The Kevin Prendergast-trained filly, already a winner on the course in soft ground, coped well with the fast conditions, and, having tracked British raider Amber Valley, took command approaching the furlong pole before drawing away to beat Gee Kel by two lengths.
Winning trainer Kevin Prendergast has ruled out a trip to Royal Ascot with Lady O’Reilly’s filly, which was ridden by stable jockey Declan McDonogh, but outlined a plan involving such Group 1 races as The Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes and the Moyglare Stud Stakes. Judging by her performance yesterday, she will have no difficulty when stepped up to seven furlongs.
Earlier, Osterhase, found to be lame after his disappointing seasonal debut run on the track, bounced back to winning form in the Naas Sprint Stakes, a listed event over the minimum trip.
Showing his customary burst of early speed, the seven-year-old was always in command under Fran Berry and readily held Moon Unit which had cut him down close home in the corresponding race last year.
Osterhase has been a tremendous money-spinner for Curragh trainer John Mulhern and will now be aimed at the five-furlong King of Beers Stakes at the Curragh on Budweiser Irish Derby Day.
Former champion Johnny Murtagh believes An Tadh should be capable of winning at listed level following his smooth success in the Bill Whitehead Memorial Race. This Ger Lyons-trained colt drew clear to beat Bective Ranger by three lengths in a race which saw former champion Micheal Kinnane and apprentice Derek McCormack hit the deck. Fortunately, Kinnane emerged unscathed but McCormack was removed to hospital with a suspected shoulder injury.
Trainer Jim Bolger saddled Zacharova to complete a hat-trick in nine days in the concluding seven-furlong handicap. Always close to the pace under regular rider Davey Moran, the 6/4 favourite held on gamely to beat Lough Gem by a neck.
Absolutelyfabulous justified favouritism in her first handicap, the Event and Venue Hire at Naas Racecourse Handicap and will be aimed at a similar race by her trainer David Watchman.
Earlier apprentice Rory Cleary deputised for Billy Lee on Sable d’Olonne, a Tommy Stack-trained debutante, which powered home on the outside to land the Fillies Maiden.
And Fermion, lead horse for Rumplestiltskin in Ballydoyle, availed of a rating of 80 to make a winning handicap debut in the Fillies Handicap, the 9/4 favourite being guided home by Seamus Heffernan.
