Aloof wins the Group 3 feature at Gowran Park © Photo Healy Racing
The intriguing Group 3 renewal of the Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes at Gowran Park went the way of the David Wachman-trained Aloof ridden by Billy Lee.
Three English raiders were sent over to contest the 70,000 euro race. Momentary trained for the Queen by Michael Bell, Beatrice Aurore from the the soon to be retiring John Dunlop, and Sir Henry Cecil’s Andromeda Galaxy
Joseph O’Brien was on board the Queen’s Momentary and he cut out the pace on her. A furlong and a half out though she was swallowed up by Aloof who saw out every bit of the extended mile and a furlong trip to win by three parts of a length at 12/1 from Beatrice Aurora (3/1) who was never quite getting there.
“Her form has been consistent and good ground suited her better today,” jockey Billy Lee said.
“They went a good gallop and she kept going well. She’s progressing as the season goes on.” Shebella took third-placed prize money for John Oxx and Declan McDonogh at 16/1.
Punters latched on to Beatrice Aurore (owned by Abba legend Benny Andersson) in the Gowran Park betting ring from 4/1 to 3/1 while Alla Speranza was a drifter from 15/2 to 10/1. She finished last of the 10 runners. Caponata went off 11/8 favourite for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen, however she came home eighth.
This was Aloof’s first victory on turf and followed up on two successes at Dundalk’s all-weather track.
Momentary was attempting to give the Queen her first win in Ireland. Her Carlton House was fourth in last year's Irish Derby.
(On course reporting by Alan Magee)
