Heart Focus & Kevin Manning (right) get the better of Bye Bye Birdie & Joseph O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
Jim Bolger recorded his first winner since Dawn Approach took the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket over a week ago, as Heart Focus took the opener at Naas this evening, the Dragon Pulse EBF 2yo Fillies Maiden.
The daughter of Intense Focus finished second to Coach House in a five furlong contest on her debut at Tipperary at the beginning of the month.
She was then seen just last Sunday at Leopardstown finishing third to Sacred Aspect over six furlongs.
Prominent throughout this evening, she was in front two furlongs out but was headed by the Aidan O’Brien trained newcomer, Bye Bye Birdie soon after.
However she responded well to pressure and she regained the lead close home, going on to score by half a length at the line.
Bye Bye Birdie had to settle for second under Joseph O’Brien while the Jessica Harrington trained newcomer, Homeric Hymn was a further three and a half lengths back in third at 8/1 under Fran Berry.
The David Wachman trained newcomer Tap Dancing was the subject of a big on-course gamble, opening on-course at 6/1 before being backed into 11/4 favouritism at the off.
The daughter of Galileo could only manage sixth under Wayne Lordan.
Jim Bolger said afterwards: "I’ve been running her over the wrong trip and I have to apologise to her for that. She needs seven furlongs.
"The last day was just a question of room more than anything. She wasn’t too upset after it and came out bucking and squealing the next day."
The winner was sold for €30,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearlings Sale last year.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
