Karalara and Pat Smullen stretch clear in the fillies maiden© Photo Healy Racing
The Investec Derby winning team of the Aga Khan, Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen were on the mark again as Karalara overcame a long lay-off to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Navan.
The daughter of Shamardal showed promise on her only previous start over six furlongs at the Curragh last July, and coped well here with the step up to a mile and a quarter.
The 9/4 chance was produced to challenge over a furlong out, and kept on well inside the final furlong to score by three lengths. Gabardine took the runner-up spot, with 13/8 favourite Star Of Kings finding no extra inside the final furlong another length and three quarters back in third.
Smullen said, “She quickened up nicely and put it to bed fairly quickly. She coped well with the step up in distance and I’d say that’s her trip.
“It’s beautiful ground here today and it was ideal for her.”
