Dermot Weld© Photo Healy Racing
The decision to turn Tested out again quickly reaped rewards as she ran out an impressive winner of the Owenstown Stud Stakes at Naas.
The Dermot Weld-trained filly had been sixth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh just eight days ago.
Pat Smullen produced her with a strong run to claim front-runner Ansgar inside the final furlong and she kept on strongly to win by a length-and-three-quarters in the Listed contest. Slipper Orchid got up to pip the long-time leader for the runner-up spot. Giovanni Boldini was sent off the 2/1 favourite but could only finish fifth after trying to weave his way through the pack from the rear.
“I thought it was a very good performance. Naas has an excellent programme today and consequently they got the horses and the crowd,” said Weld afterwards.
“I thought it was a very true run race. Ansgar is a good tough competitor and our filly came home well.
“It was a little soon (after the Guineas) but I was very happy with her. It was heavy ground in the Guineas. Pat went with her and she ran a very good race but didn't get home on the testing ground.
“I was a little concerned the ground might be a bit slow today as she's a very good moving filly.
“That's her trip, we know her right trip now. She didn't get home in the Guineas.
“We'll look for a group race for her now. She's had three quick runs in succession so might get a break now and come back for something like the Fairy Bridge (Tipperary 28th August).”
