Sun Goddess shines to enter Ascot equation Sun Goddess proved appropriately named on a sunkissed afternoon at the Curragh as she booked her ticket to Royal Ascot with an impressive display in the opening Revamp Conservation And Restoration Irish EBF Fillies Maiden. Second to stablemate Carry The Flag on debut at Naas she was sent off 4-11 favourite in the hands of Ryan Moore to go one better and duly obliged, scorching to a decisive five-length success to give Aidan O’Brien a third win in this particular race in the past four years. The winner was made 2-1 favourite for the Albany Stakes at the Royal meeting, with the six-furlong contest confirmed as the daughter of Sioux Nation’s likely destination. O’Brien said: “She had a lovely run the first day. We got her out the first day in case she was an Ascot filly and ran so well that that is why she is back here. “She could be an Albany filly if she knows enough, but Ryan said she is still very green between the two and the one (furlong markers) but then she started to go again after that. “We have Neolithic, who is a fair horse as well by the same stallion and this is a big rangy filly who will definitely improve plenty as she goes.” Also on course for the Royal meeting is Joseph O’Brien’s Green Carrera after the 4-1 favourite gamely held on in the BYD At Finlay Motor Group Spring Fillies Handicap under Dylan Browne McMonagle. Joseph O’Brien said: “It was a nervous last few strides and the race itself didn’t set up great for her. Dylan said he was going to Plan B, C and D through it but I thought she came good and was impressed with her from the three to the one-furlong marker. “We think she is a nice filly going forward and the obvious race now is the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot. We think she would be the type to potentially run well in that. “Simon and Isaac (Munir and Souede, owners) have been great supporters of ours and all the horses are sourced by Anthony Bromley, who does an outstanding job.”
