Going - Soft (yielding to soft in places). Overcast
Trifecta Not Won. Pool of €6,501.98 carried forward to Ballinrobe on Tuesday 30th April. Jackpot Pool - €940.00 Not Won. Carried forward to No Course on Sunday 5th May. Placepot Pool - €28,842.27 Dividend - €90.90 Winning Units - 237.89. Pick Six Pool - €21,724.50 Not Won. Carried forward to Ballinrobe on Tuesday 30th April. Days Aggregate - €104,743.10 (8 races). Last Year €57,163.35 (7 races).
Tobann suddenly shows improvement
She was good there, although she lost the plot the last day. I have her in the Athasi Stakes (Group 3 at the Curragh, May 6), and I'd be tempted to run her there. I was a little surprised she handled the ground as she was one of the lighter fillies in the race.
Last to first for Ondeafears
She's very, very genuine. The gap appeared just in time, and you have to ride her like that. It takes her a while to warm up and find her stride. That's her style of racing. It was a good trip for her and taking on her own sex helped as well. It was a lovely pot. I'm thrilled for the owner (Carol Roper) who bred her as well and has done well with that family. She deserved that.
Sky blows over rivals
He came up against a good one in Ballinrobe last year, and deserved to get his head in front. He's big and backward and it took ages for the penny to drop both mentally and physically. We'll keep him going over the summer and mix it up with him. That's his level, he's no star but he'll pay his way.
Park justifies good support
Seamie said he was very unlucky at Leopardstown when he got boxed in on the rail. He ran a real good race there. I've been very impressed with Connor King all year, and he looks a very good rider. He gave him a beautiful patient ride, and was there at the right time. Connor said he thought he might stay a bit further, and some of the lads at home have been saying he might get a mile and a furlong.
Blinkers do the trick for Kitten
He battled away. They went pretty quick which suited and he came home well. He ran a reasonable race last time, and he ran well when fourth at the Curragh on his final outing as a juvenile. Pat taking his time when they went quick helped his cause.
Caponata takes feature for Weld/Smullen
They are two nice fillies. I'd say the second filly is smart as well. The Group 3 on Guineas weekend (Abu Dhabi Stakes) at the Curragh would be the logical follow on. Hopefully both those fillies will have a good year. As the year progresses you would hope we can build to Group 1 status with her. I think she has the potential to be a Group 1 filly.
Saincheann impressive on reappearance
She's a good mare and will go the black-type route. I think there's some races now for four-year-olds and we'll look at those. Hopefully she'll go on from that. She was a big, backward filly and was just a late developer.
Lyons provides shock winner in finale
I wouldn't be rushing to run mine in soft ground but he's by Danehill Dancer and has a big knee action. He was ready for a day out, and we thought he'd improve physically and mentally from it. To win is a complete bonus. He should improve loads and if he does he's a nice horse. He's got a good pedigree, and it's good to see the horses are well. They are all ready, we just need to run them now. There is no point in waiting on fast ground, and we have to run them to see if they handle this or not. We are going to get more of this (ground) than not.
