Persistent showers made conditions unpleasant for racegoers on the middle evening of the annual three-day Bellewstown meeting but the performance of Fearless Flyer in the Tattersalls Ireland-sponsored two-year-old auction maiden helped to light up proceedings.
The Tommy Stack-trained filly drifted from 2/1 out to 100/30 following two placed outings but belied that lack of confidence with a runaway success. Wayne Lordan sent her to the front three furlongs out and the pair soon stretched clear to finish an amazing 13 lengths clear of her 11 rivals at the line.
'Her form was solid, and I thought she would benefit from the step up to a mile. She may go now for a nursery at Galway or the Tyros Stakes (a Listed race at Leopardstown on July 24) if there is a small field,' said Stack's son Fozzy.
Paul Carberry recorded a double in the two hurdle races on the card, with Complete Circle justifying favouritism in the novice event and Bouncing Bowdler making all in the handicap. Complete Circle jumped to the front three out in the opener, and kept on under pressure to beat Shes Flying by a length and a half. 'It was a bit of a muddling race, and she jumps better when going fast,' said trainer Michael Halford of the half-sister to '96 champion hurdler Collier Bay.
Carberry dictated matters from the front aboard Bouncing Bowdler in the two miles and a furlong handicap, going clear after four out and holding on by a length and a half from Distant Truce.
Local trainer Marcus Callaghan was on the mark with Paris Sue in the sprint handicap, Jamie Moriarty's mount quickening nicely at the furlong pole to beat Janadam by three lengths. 'I have two in training, and Lisselan Fairways also won at Tramore last month. This filly fractured her pelvis last June, and was unlucky when she broke slow at Down Royal last time,' said the Dunleer handler.
Monroe Gold, the only horse in training with Fethard trainer Cliff Wilkinson, benefited from a patient ride by Shane Gorey to lead close home in division two of the 33-60 mile handicap. Tadgh O'Shea partnered Coolnaharan to victory in division one, leading over a furlong out to beat Fit The Cove by three lengths.
Alan Magee
