Testedout classes opposition
Contests such as this are often hard-earned, but the daughter of Selkirk simply outclassed the opposition.
Weld was represented by his son, Kris, who summed it up best when remarking: “She’s just a good filly.”
Some Spirit tried to make all, but Pat Smullen soon had the winner tracking her in second place.
Smullen asked Tested to go about her business over a furlong out and the response was instant, as she powered clear to score by four lengths.
Weld junior added: “She possibly needed the run at Galway (finished second) and has come forward from that. I don’t know what will be next.”
Said Smullen: “She was impressive. She has always been held in high regard, that’s why I rode her in the Irish 1000 Guineas. This ground and seven furlongs is the key to her. She relaxed beautifully and we haven’t seen the best of her yet.”
Weld’s newcomer, the Azamour colt Zafilani, was well supported in the market for the Camas Park EBF Maiden and didn’t disappoint.
He travelled nicely through the contest and quickened in style for Smullen to beat the equally promising first-timer, Jessica Harrington’s Lola Beaux.
Kris Weld said: “He’s a fine big horse and can only improve. We will now look for a Stakes race somewhere.”
Aidan O’Brien’s Hail The Hero went off at 8-11, but ran inexplicably badly. He attempted to make all, but, surprisingly for a Ballydoyle inmate, folded immediately when challenged early in the straight.
Fit For The Job, trained by David Wachman for JP McManus, followed his maiden success at Galway by landing the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Premier Nursery.
He moved beautifully through the race for Fran Berry and had this in safe keeping, once asked to lead over a furlong down.
Commented Wachman: “He’s a grand little horse. I will now talk to the owner and see what the handicapper does.”
Berry completed a double aboard the Jessica Harrington-trained Princess Aloof in the Meadowview Stables Handicap.
Nibbled at from 10-1 to 8’s, Princess Aloof eased past Laviniad in the straight to beat that rival by three parts of a length.
John Oxx’s Ebasani, absent since performing poorly in the Ballysax Stakes at Navan in April, made a satisfactory reappearance when taking the Follow Tipperary Races On Facebook Race.
Declan McDonogh was in no hurry, but this was always going in favour of the winner through the final furlong.
Reported Oxx: “He has been off a good while, he disappointed us in the Ballysax on very sticky ground. He is in two big handicaps on Champions’ Weekend, over a mile and a half at the Curragh and a mile and six at Leopardstown. He is a bit keen and will probably go for the mile and a half race.”
Willie McCreery continued his terrific run when Sweetest Taboo cropped up for him at 18-1 in the five furlongs Glenvale Stud Maiden.
Partnered by Billy Lee, she swept through just inside the furlong pole to easily beat Danz Gift.
Said McCreery: “I’m delighted with that, it’s the first time I’ve tried her over the trip. She would like a little ease and I am looking forward to her at autumn time.”
David Marnane’s Kodiac’s Back, beaten into second by Bay Hill at Killarney, made no mistake in the Follow @Tipperaryraces On Twitter Handicap.
Produced to lead at the furlong pole by Colm O’Donoghue, the 3-1 favourite lengthened away to beat Snap Click cosily.
