Brooch finds plenty to justify favouritism
Unraced as a juvenile, the daughter of Empire Maker only made her debut at last month’s Galway Festival, easily winning a modest maiden.
Undeterred, however, punters wanted her big time and she went off what looked a very cramped 8-11 shot.
Those tight odds shaped as even worse value early in the straight, as Colour Blue made the best of her way home. Brooch, at this stage appeared to be struggling to get in a real blow.
But she soon found loads for Pat Smullen pressure and was in full flight at the furlong pole.
It was now crystal clear there was only going to be one winner and, as Colour Blue began to struggle, Brooch eased past Akira to win snugly by a length.
Kris Weld represented his father and said: “That was very pleasing. She is a fine big filly and still to fill out into her frame. I don’t know if she will run again this season, but should make a very nice four-year-old.”
Weld’s Postulation was backed as if defeat was out of the question in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden.
The 8-11 in the morning soon dried up and he was thumped through the day, before being returned at 1-3.
He won alright, but not before giving his brave supporters palpitations. Aidan O’Brien’s newcomer Archangel Raphael, literally friendless in the market, edged ahead inside the final furlong, looking all over a winner.
But the always-prominent Postulation hit back strongly and was actually comfortably in control for Smullen at the line to score by a neck.
Kris Weld said: “He appreciated the step up in trip and it will probably be back to the Kingdom for him and the nursery at Listowel.”
O’Brien and his son, Joseph, made it back from York and Australia’s terrific display to combine with Red Rocks Point to take the Ladbrokes’ Race.
“A relief day,” was O’Brien senior’s reaction, after Red Rocks Point edged out Zafayan.
Aidan confirmed the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown is likely to be the next port of call for Australia.
Denis Hogan is a trainer on an upward curve and he was on the mark again when Tahaf made all of the running to take the Diarmuid Cronin Electrical Handicap.
Seamie Heffernan was in the plate and seen to real advantage. He saved plenty through the contest and Tahaf had lots left when danger loomed in the closing stages.
Hogan said: “Seamie is the key to this lad, he knows the horse well and gave him a super ride. He will make a real nice hurdler.”
Miller Beach, trained on the Curragh by Johnny Levins, followed his recent success at Naas by landing the Cliffords’ Groundcare Limited Handicap. Beautifully handled by Gary Carroll, the winner quickened ahead inside the furlong pole to beat Amazing Star.
“He’s a progressive handicapper and relatively lightly raced, he never ran as a two-year-old,” Levins said.
“He could come back here on Saturday for an apprentice race and is entered in the English Cambridgeshire, which is in the back of our minds.”
The frustrating David Marnane-trained Henson finally found his level when taking the Mosscontrol.ie Apprentice Maiden. Three of the eight runners failed to meet the engagement, because of the change in ground, and that made it much easier for the winner.
The talented Connor King soon had him bowling along in front and only had to push out Henson in the straight to easily beat Tommy Stack’s newcomer, Salariaq.
The Bet Online At Thetote.com Handicap looked competitive, but eventual winner, Shalaman, could be mapped as the most likely winner from a fair way out.
He came there cantering in the straight and only had to be pushed out by Leigh Roche to score with a fair bit in reserve. Shalaman is trained at Kilmessan, Co Meath by Matthew Smith.
