Camellia Japonica & Gary Carroll (left) beat Flowerhill Nova (centre) & Bubblesontherise (right) © Photo Healy Racing
The Joe Murphy-trained Camellia Japonica overcame traffic problems to lunge late in the TRM Excellence In Equine Nutrition Maiden at the Curragh.
Gary Carroll settled the well backed 2/1 favourite (5/1 this morning) in mid-division but found himself behind a wall of horses two furlongs from home.
The Zoffany filly had to check slightly when making ground over a furlong out but still had enough in the tank to power home inside the final furlong and collar Flowerhill Nova late on for a neck success.
“She's a very nice filly and we've always thought a lot of her. She has done everything bar win,” said Murphy.
“Gary gave her a great ride and she learned more today than she would in six months of training. I think she is a nice filly for the future and she'll improve a lot with age.
“She got into all sorts of trouble but she has a bit of class. The thing today was to get her settled and switched off and Gary did that.
“I think her full-brother (Bohemian Flame), who is trained by Andrew Balding, is going to Ascot.”
