Vision stars in Ruby romp
Deauville Vision bounced back to the form that brought her the Irish Lincolnshire in March to win the Kerryman Ruby Stakes in a common canter at Tralee.
Michael Halford’s Danehill Dancer filly looked to have a bright future after she demolished a big field by eight lengths in the valuable handicap at the start of the season but things have not gone her way since.
But racing back on her favoured soft surface, she returned to her best form to score at odds of 4-1.
Settled in midfield behind a suicidal early pace set by Gunga Din and Anna’s Rock, Rory Cleary brought his mount through to lead two furlongs on the bridle and the result was never in doubt.
Deauville Vision went away to win by an easy seven lengths from Charlie Swan’s Crooked Throw, who also finished second in the Lincoln. Sandtime claimed third.
“She handles that ground exceptionally well,” said Halford. “I was a little bit afraid that I may have knocked the edge off her after her run at Leopardstown last time.
“She deserved a Listed success after the way she won the Irish Lincoln so I’m pleased that she has got it now.”
Declan McDonogh, fresh from riding a big winner at York on Thursday, was once again seen to great effect when driving home Indiana Gal in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery.
The Intikhab filly had only previously finished out of the first two once – and that was on her debut in a hot Curragh maiden.
Settled in mid-division early on, the 100-30 second favourite was brought through horses to make her challenge with two furlongs to run and showed a very willing attitude to win by one and a half lengths.
Top-weight Brazilian Star stayed on grimly for second, while Kaprun ran well to finish third from out of the handicap.
“She’s getting even more laid-back. She’s always been a laid-back filly but even more so now,” said winning trainer Patrick Martin.
“That was very good and we might try to win some black type with her now.
“There’s a nine-furlong race at Leopardstown at the end of the season and we might give her a little break before that.
“She’s an exciting filly for next year and she’s very tough.”
Kevin Prendergast’s Wrong Number made amends for two recent near-misses in the Maurice Carroll Bookmakers EBF Median Auction Maiden.
Runner-up behind two potentially useful sorts on his first two starts, the King’s Best colt was sent off the even-money favourite to make it third-time lucky.
Ridden by Chris Hayes, he was brought to the head of affairs at the furlong pole and had enough in hand to see off Jim Bolger’s promising newcomer Ard Fheis by half a length, with Sassy Gal in third.
