French-import wins Polonia Stakes sprint by nine lengths Cork’s Listed Goffs Irish EBF Polonia Stakes was won by a street today, as the Johnny Murtagh-trained French-import Royal Bay Cen (15/2) routed seven rivals under jockey Ben Coen. A dual winner in France and purchased for just €20,000 last year, 98-rated three-year-old filly Royal Bay Cen dropped to 5f, 110yds today and, having scooted clear a furlong out, posted a huge performance in beating Quiet Mutiny by nine lengths. Afterwards Coen commented “she is a very genuine filly, puts a lot into it and while she wouldn’t blow you away to ride her at home, she tries very hard and I think being by New Bay, she handles that ease in the ground. She really quickened on ground which isn’t easy to do so on. “She had decent form in France but it probably tapered off at the end of last year although had only finished less than two lengths behind Balantina (Breeders Cup winner) in one of her races. It was hard to compare that form to today’s race but she had the ability and showed it today. “She jumped, relaxed and was very good. We went a strong gallop, I gave her a click two furlongs and she jumped on to the bridle and I probably got there too soon. She won really well. “There will definitely be tougher assignments ahead now.”
