Zafilani (nearest) is driven out by Pat Smullen to see off Lola Beaux© Photo Healy Racing
Newcomer Zafilani got up in the closing stages to foil the morning gamble on fellow newcomer Lola Beaux in the Camas Park Stud EBF 2yo Maiden.
The Dermot Weld trained, Pat Smullen ridden winner was available at 10/1 in a place this morning but opened on-course at just 7’s before going off an 11/2 chance.
Lola Beaux, who was backed from 20’s to 9/2 this morning, drifted out to 8’s on-course.
Zafilani raced towards rear in the early stages before improving into fourth as they approached the straight.
He came with his challenge between horses over a furlong from home and hit the front inside the final 100 yards before going on to score by three parts of a length.
Lola Beaux, for Jessica Harrington and Fran Berry, hit the front over a furlong out but she couldn’t hold off the winner and had to settle for second. Estrenar ran on well to take third at 40/1 under Willie McCreery for Wayne Lordan while the 8/11 favourite Hail The Hero could only manage fifth for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
Kris Weld said afterwards: "He won nicely, he is a fine big horse and he can only improve. We will have to have a look at a Stakes race next."
STEWARDS REPORT
J.P. O'Brien, rider of Hail The Hero, trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost his action and eased in the closing stages.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Hail The Hero, trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
