Plaza Athenee 'could be nice' after scoring in Gowran Plaza Athenee (11/8f) wasn't overly troubled in shedding her maiden tag by four lengths in race six (median auction maiden) at Gowran Park for John Murphy. She raced in close proximity to a steady pace set by Treasure Rose and Colin Keane asked her to go on approaching the straight. The jockey got into the drive position outside the final furlong and his mount quickened away in the closing stages to put daylight on runner-up Treasure Rose (3/1). Sunlight Dance kept on for third a further half a length away at 9/2. Plaza Athenee was stepping up on a sixth in the Curragh and a runner-up spot at Killarney. Assistant trainer George Murphy said: “She did that nicely. We were disappointed she was beaten the last day. “Colin said she’s very progressive and has a good attitude, he said she’s going to keep improving. “She’s a very big filly and she could be nice. “I’d say anywhere around that mile-and-a-quarter is fine for her. “Colin was saying to take baby steps, but he thinks she’s going to end up being very nice.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
