I’m Yours continues Weld’s domination of McCalmont Memorial
The Rosewell handler thought she was the ideal type for this Listed contest, which he had previously won several times with the likes of Chinese White (in 2008 and 2010) and Caponata in last year’s renewal.
And though her stamina had come into question when she was beaten on her seasonal debut at Navan, he felt this course would suit her much better. He was proved right as Pat Smullen kicked on just under two furlongs out on I’m Yours (5-2 favourite) and she galloped all the way to the line to beat long-time leader We’ll Go Walking by two and a half lengths away with Coolibah third.
“I only entered one horse in this race. I thought the track would suit her. The ground was a bit more testing than we wanted. The mile one and 150 yards here is easier than the mile and a quarter at Navan,” said Weld.
“That was a good performance. This has been a lucky race for us, we have won it several times and it is always nice to win it.
“I wouldn’t be in a rush to run her again soon. She’s a beautifully-bred filly and I’d love to win a Group race with her next. The ground was my main concern coming here today as it is very sticky, but she is very adaptable.
“She ran well at Navan and she had a tough enough race there today on that ground, so I will take it easy with her for a while now.”
It was a good day for the team with Smullen riding a 294-1 four-timer and Weld continuing his fine start to the season with a treble.
Smullen made all on Sereza (6-4), who ran her rivals into the ground as she bolted up by six and a half lengths in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden Stakes.
“She is a big, galloping mare and I have no set plans for her. I’ll try to find a conditions race or a Listed race for her, and she will stay a mile and a half,” said Weld.
Good Tradition (11-4 joint-favourite) brought up Smullen’s four-timer and Weld’s treble with victory in the Super Sundays Dining & Racing For 22 Euro (C&G) Maiden.
Smullen’s first win on the card came on the Sheila Lavery-trained Gone Viral (8-1) who claimed a game success in the seven-furlong Ladies Day June 21st At Gowran Park Handicap.
“That was a bit surprising. I was scared he would get tired, as he is a bit short of work and I can’t get him to work hard enough at home. Pat gave him a beautiful ride and he brought him into the race,” said Lavery.
Queen Of Power (4-9) could have booked her place in the Irish 1,000 Guineas after she duly landed the odds in the Follow Us On Facebook Maiden.
The Michael O’Callaghan-trained filly opened her account with a comfortable four and three-quarter-length strike under Fergal Lynch
O’Callaghan said: “She had a good blow and I expect her to come on from that. It wasn’t a Curragh maiden, but she still might take her chance in the Irish Guineas.
“It’s a huge step up, but I may never have a chance again with one.
“She only just handles soft. She would prefer good ground as she has a lovely action. She would probably be better in a better race as she has a good cruising speed. A mile will suit her better.”
Apprentice Sean Corby made his 7lb count as he landed his first ever double on Sophie’s World (10-1) and Fast On (7-1).
* Treve suffered her first defeat when outbattled by Cirrus Des Aigles in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp.
The two principals fought out a tremendous finish in the final furlong and though Treve got her head in front, Cirrus Des Aigles got up in the final strides to strike for trainer Corine Barande-Barbe and jockey Christophe Soumillon.
The first two drew clear of Norse King in third.
