On Location and Fran Berry© Photo Healy Racing
Owner/trainer Jim Ryan made it known in advance of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Race & Stay Package Maiden, that his Canadian-import On Location was showing signs of coming into season. Such considerations were put firmly to the side by the Street Cry filly though, as she sluiced home by four and a half lengths in the hands of Fran Berry.
From an early offering of at least 3/1, Torpedo Alley went off a strongly-supported 10/11 chance, and he set out to make every post a winning one.
However he had no answer to the sweet-travelling On Location in the final quarter mile, and that one asserted away in the final furlong.
Early market-leader So Focussed proved to be a disappointment. She faded to eventually beat only one home.
"It was a nice performance. I thought it was very unfortunate as she hadn't shown in season for three months and then was in season this morning," said Ryan.
"I had to tell the stewards as she could have come and run last. She's a lovely honest filly and I think that got her through.
"The vets were in to see her and she's ready to be covered in a couple of days by Dawn Approach. We had a very small window of opportunity to come here.
"She has a beautiful pedigree and her mother was a superstar in the US, winning 2.2 million dollars."
On Location, a daughter of Street Cry and Film Maker, was purchased at Keeneland in November, for 85,000 dollars.
Prior to racing James M. Ryan, trainer of On Location (USA), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge was showing signs of being in season
T.P. Madden, rider of Mianya Return trained by William J. Fitzpatrick, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly to the left throughout this race.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined So Focussed, trained by J. S. Bolger, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame and also to be making a respiratory noise post race.
(GC & EM)
