Naas hosted its first ever Group race yesterday evening, and victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes went to the Jim Bolger-trained Danelissima.
British raider Summitville was sent off the 4/7 favourite and she looked set to plunder this mile a half Group 3 event when striking the front two furlongs out. However Danelissima refused to give in on the far rail, and dug deep for Kevin Manning to prevail by half a length with Tarakala two lengths further back in third. 'The longer trip made a difference and she didn't handle the track too well at Gowran Park last time. I hope she will line up for the Oaks now,' said Bolger.
The Coolcullen trainer also had positive news of another of his high class three-year-old fillies, Alexander Goldrun. 'She is very well and has already put the weight (5 kilos) on that she lost in the French Oaks.'
David Wachman, who saddled his first Royal Ascot winner earlier in the day with Damson, was also on the mark in the two-year-old fillies maiden with Sweet Gypsy Rose. The Michael Cleere-ridden newcomer got the hang of things in the closing stages to just collar Banba in the final stride.
Eddie Lynam was particularly pleased after Lady O'Reilly's home bred Brazilian Sun easily opened her account in the six furlongs fillies maiden beating Wish Upon A Star by four and a half lengths. 'She's had more setbacks that the Fianna Fail government but is a beautifully bred filly and it was very important she won. We'll look for a handicap next,' said Lynam.
Gazzarini made all under Paul Scallan in the three-year-olds' mile handicap, stretching clear over a furlong out before comfortably holding the strong finishing favourite Day Ticket by a length. 'That's his trip, although he may get a little further, and he really likes that fast ground,' said trainer Joe Crowley's travelling head man Damian Byrne.
Antrim Coast (John Mullins) caused a shock in the sprint handicap, with the 20/1 outsider storming home on the far rail to beat Galloway Boy by four lengths. 'He's been working terrible well but unfortunately he bleeds so it was hard to be confident,' said trainer Con Collins.
Alan Magee
