Joy for backers of O'Brien second string at Leopardstown The Aidan O'Brien trained Moments Of Joy belied her supposed stable second string status when staying on best to land the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown. Sent off 3/1(from 5/1) in a race where her stablemate Minerva went to post 8/15f, the Wayne Lordan ridden filly showed a really likeable attitude to get off the mark at the first attempt. In front from stalls, Lordan elected to drop back and take a lead after a furlong, as Parallax went on, with Quinn's Charm in close pursuit. The latter took over under Ben Coen over five-furlongs out, with Parallax second and the eventual winner third. Minerva sat fourth at that stage under Ryan Moore. Kicking on early in the straight, Quinn's Charm was worn down and headed by Moments of Joy over a furlong from the finish. Little Sure Shot emerged from the chasing group to get within a head of Moments Of Joy over 100 yards out but could find no extra close home. With early leader Quinn's Charm weakening inside the final furlong, Minerva ran on late to take third. Chris Armstrong said: “Aidan felt they were two lovely fillies coming here and they have both never been away. “Ryan’s filly was very green, but he really likes her. Even in the parade ring she was very green but the way she finished off was a positive, “Wayne’s filly was more professional. They went a solid pace, and it caught them out early. “Billy (Lee on Little Sure Shot) coming up on Wayne’s outside helped him along. “We’ll see how she comes out of this and she could be one for the Chesham. She’s a fine big scopey filly with a great temperament and there would be no trouble stepping up in trip.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
