Bocca Baciata is ridden out by Colm O'Donoghue to beat Earring and Hawksmoor (hidden on inside)© Photo Healy Racing
The consistent Bocca Baciata recorded her biggest success to date, as she got up close home to land the Group 2 Kilboy Estate Stakes.
Previously successful in two Listed races, and a Group 3 contest, the Jessica Harrington trained four-year-old was last seen finishing second to Minding in the Pretty Polly.
Available at 6/1 last night, she opened on-course at 9/2 before going off a 4/1 chance in the colours of Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd.
Settled in mid-division by Colm O'Donoghue, she was sixth halfway. She travelled well behind the leaders from the two furlong pole, and was ridden to challenge on the outer with over a furlong to race.
She soon drifted left, but once O'Donoghue switched hands she straightened up, hitting the front inside the final the final 50 yards, going on to score by half a length Earring (12/1), who disappointed at Killarney during the week, finished second under Seamie Heffernan for Aidan O'Brien, while Hawksmoor (11/2) was a short head back in third under Frankie Dettori for Hugo Palmer. Tanaza was sent off the 7/2 favourite and she finished last under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.
Jessica Harrington said afterwards: "They didn't give her an easy lead today. She just took a while to get going, and another 100 yards would suit her. She has gone on improving.
"Races like the Beverly D, the A P Taylor and Prix de l'Opera are all possible targets. She has her Group 2 and we just want a Group 1 now."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
