Anna edges it in Lacken cracker The Donnacha O’Brien-trained Havana Anna prevailed in a cracking finish to the Goffs Lacken Stakes at Naas this afternoon. Gavin Ryan had the 9/4 shot to the fore throughout in the Group 3 contest over six furlongs and she fought it out with Oh Cecelia, who raced along on the stand’s rail, from the furlong marker. The Havana Grey filly just stuck her head in front in the closing stages as Royal Bay Cen and Tahcawin came to press the front pair in a driving finish. Havana Anna go the verdict by a head over 50/1 shot Oh Cecelia. It was the winner’s first run since finishing down the field in the Breeders’ Cup last October. She had previously been runner-up in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes and has a perfect record here, having won twice at the venue last season. "I'm delighted with her. I thought there was plenty to work on today, it was kind of a starting point,” said O’Brien. “I think she'll improve a lot for that so we'll head for the Commonwealth now all being well. She deserves a crack at a big one so I'm really delighted.  "For a filly that wasn't over big last year, she has grown and strengthened. You never know going two to three whether they'll train on but she seems to have anyway. “She tries very hard and she's always well able to jump (from the stalls)." The winner was made a 10/1 shot (from 25/1) by Paddy Power for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot next month. Even-money favourite Charles Darwin proved a disappointment, finishing only (Quotes by John O’Riordan)
