Galatee Handed Oaks Mission

Galatee put herself in line for a crack at the Darley Irish Oaks with a comfortable success in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Blue Wind Stakes at Naas.

Jim Bolger's charge was completing her hat-trick after winning a 10-furlong maiden on her racecourse debut at the track in April before stepping up to land a Listed event at Gowran last time.

The daughter of Galileo made a smooth transition to Group Three level here, settling in behind early leader Allexina under Kevin Manning.

Turning for home the 11-4 shot was still travelling well and after taking it up approaching the two-furlong marker, Galatee never looked like being caught.

Allexina, the 5-2 favourite, stayed on gamely to finish a three-and-a-half-length second while 16-1 shot Gift Range claimed third.

Bolger was suitably impressed by Galatee's performance and is now eyeing the Curragh Classic on July 16.

He said: 'She will go for the Irish Oaks now. She's much better on the track than she is at home as she doesn't really exert herself.

'I think she will be OK on better ground too.'

? PA Sport