Soul strikes despite market drift Despite proving friendless in the market, Green Soul got up in the final strides to take the opener at Fairyhouse, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. As short as 15/8 in early shows for this seven furlong contest, the Joseph O'Brien-trained bay drifted markedly and was returned at 11/2. A never nearer second on debut at Roscommon last month, the E60,000 Goffs Orby Sale purchase tracked the leaders under Declan McDonogh and edged left from the two-furlong pole. Soon ridden, the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned victor ultimately found plenty for pressure inside the final furlong and was a head in front at the line. Well-supported into 3/1 (touched 8s early), the Aidan O'Brien-trained Frescobaldi was the one just denied, with his stable companion Extravagant (6/4f) four-and-a-quarter lengths back in third. "They all behaved well until we came to the turn and then when we got into the straight, they went every way," McDonogh explained. "Rather than stop his momentum I had to keep going and when he saw the left rail I let him up onto it and it helped him. "I'd say he’s a work in progress and there is plenty more in there. I gave him a crack and he responded well." As an Orby Sale graduate, the winner picked up a E50,000 bonus, with this race is part of the Goffs Bonus Series. STEWARDS REPORTS * D.P. McDonogh, rider of Green Soul, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lugged left and he had to correct him. * The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.P. McDonogh, rider of Green Soul, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount was being intimidated by Frescobaldi and that he had to use his stick for corrective purposes to maintain his line. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards accepted that one strike was for corrective purposes and that no further action was warranted. * M. Crehan, rider of Frescobaldi, trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left the whole way up the straight. * M.W Hassett, rider of Clarity Of Thought (GB), trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran around in the straight. * Ms. K. Harrington, Authorised Representative of Mrs John Harrington, trainer of Second Line, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge scoped badly post race. * S. Foley, rider of Second Line, trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled and never finished. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
