Queen of Troy appreciates drop in class
Dropping in class after finishing seventh to Memory in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, Queen Of Troy won the opening fillies maiden easily by five lengths from Miss Windley, prompting Heffernan to declare: “She couldn’t have done it any easier.”
The daughter of Holy Roman Emperor was backed from 1/2 to 2/7 and gave her supporters no worries.
The market for the colts’ event was more confusing as Rudolf Valerntino drifted on course from 4/6 to 5/4 before hardening late to 8/13 while stable-companion and debutant Sherwood Forest, backed during the day, shortened from 3/1 to 7/4 on-track, before easing to 11/4. On track, however, there was no doubting Rudolf Valentino’s superiority as he powered clear under Heffernan’s driving to slam Bintan by six lengths with Sherwood Forest third.
Heffernan commented: “He improved more from his first run that I expected. He’s progressive and might be alright.
“He was still a bit green, but when I gave him a few cracks he picked up and came up the hill well. He’ll be even better over seven furlongs or a mile.”
Katherine O’Brien (19), from Dingle had an evening to remember, recording her first racecourse success on the Tom Hogan-trained 25/1 shot Lovestones (over 92/1 on the Tote) in the six-furlng Final BBQ Evening At Naas Racecourse Handicap. She has worked for Hogan for the last nine months.
A product of the pony-racing circuit, on which she rode 140 winners and emerged leading girl rider four times, the 10lb. claimer had Lovestoned close to the pace throughout and, despite drifting across the track in the closing stages, the four-year-old filly won emphatically by three and a half lengths from top-weight That’s A Fret.
Later, Maria Quinlan, from Clonmel, celebrated her 21st birthday in style when Talkan Kate provided her with a second career success, landing the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap cosily from Appletreemagic.
“I thought she’d need the race,” admitted winning trainer Pat Flynn. “I told Maria to get the filly settled and, if the chance came, to take it. We might run her again in Gowran on Friday night.”
Apprentice Shane Foley continued in top form and registered his twelfth win of he season when Coastal Waters, trained by his boss Michael Halford, won the Abbey Electrical Handicap.
Running freely in front and soon in a clear lead, the Halling filly, owned by Wendy O’Leary, was headed by Blaze Brightly (Fran Berry) inside the final furlong before rallying to prevail by a head.
Trainer Halford commented: “She fought back well and, if she gives herself a chance and is easier on herself, she’ll stay further. The small field and light weight helped. That’s why we decided to let her roll in front. She’s a product of the Breeze-Up Sale in Dundalk and, because she hasn’t done much racing, she should have more improvement in her.”
Ben Curtis brought his seasonal tally to nineteen when College Scholar, backed from 10/1 to 6/1. swooped late to deny trail-blazing Eurosmart Lady by a half-length in the Michael Higgins & Co Handicap.
Bought by trainer Liam McAteer for just €3,000 two years ago, College Scholar was a first winner, after a fifteen-year wait, for enthusiastic owner Tom Furlong. McAteer stated: “This horse been unlucky in the past but Ben gave him a great ride and he’ll to Galway for a seven-furlong handicap.”
