As easy as 1-1-1 for Holland

It was as easy as 1-1-1 for trainer Graham Holland as he sent out three of Saturday night’s four quarter-final heat winners in the Gain Feeds Christmas Oaks at Shelbourne Park, all three racing from the inside trap.

The first leg of the treble came in the second heat, where Rockburst Pearl made light of the task of justifying 4-7 favouritism.

The prolific bitch popped out in front to take up her customary pacemaking role. On a track which was rated .30 fast but arguably wasn’t as quick as we’ve become accustomed to, she stayed on well to beat Southern Oaks winner Gurrane Princess by a couple of lengths in 28.71.