Visualisation and Declan McDonogh (blue) win the Plusvital Devoy Stakes © Photo Healy Racing
Visualisation proved very game in front as he landed the Plusvital Devoy Stakes at Naas this afternoon.
The Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding was kept out wide by Declan McDonogh in the early stages and moved up to lead and dispute after half a mile.
He bagged the lead a furlong-and-a-half out and found plenty when asked in the closing stages to post a length-and-three-quarters win at odds of 9/2. Sunchart stayed on to take the runner-up spot.
The winner had been placed twice in group company last season and had also won at listed level when taking the Listowel Stakes in September 2021. Martinstown went to post 2/1 favourite but failed to pick up in the straight and was eventually last of the eight runners.
O’Brien said afterwards:- “He loves heavy ground. Last year he didn’t get much of it and he had a little setback in the season as well.
“He’s come back in really good nick and Declan gave him a great ride. He said there was a strip of ground that he thought was the best of it when he got on it and that was a help.
“He’s in the Alleged Stakes and we’ll keep him busy while the ground is heavy. He’ll probably have a bit of time off in the summer and come back for the autumn.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
