Elusive Beauty (purple) gets the better of Sheisdiesel (inside) and Swish (nearest)© Photo Healy Racing
Elusive Beauty made it third time lucky as she got up to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden, under Shane Foley for Ken Condon and owner David Kelly.
After finishing down the field on her debut at Naas in April, the daughter of Elusive Pimpernel put in a much improved performance to take fifth on her next start behind subsequent Listed winner Cuff.
Available at 4/1 last night, she opened on-course at 11/4, touching 9/4, before going off a 3/1 chance.
Prominent throughout she was second entering the straight as Sheisdiesel attempted to assert.
The winner was ridden in pursuit of Sheisdiesel from the two furlong pole, and she edged to the front inside the final furlong, just doing enough to score by a head.
Sheisdiesel (16/1) had to settle for second under Conor Hoban for Noel Meade, while Swish (8/1) kept on well to take third, half a length back under Wayne Lordan for Johnny Feane.
The Michael O'Callaghan trained newcomer Mirdif was sent off the well-backed 5/2 favourite (from 9/2 on-course), and he was a further three and a quarter lengths back in fourth under a hands and heels Kieran Fallon ride.
Ken Condon said afterwards: "That Naas race is working out well. She was very green first time but ran on nicely and the second time she improved a bit to finish fifth to Cuff.
"They've done a good job on the ground here as we were a bit concerned it would be too quick. She doesn't want it soft but easier ground would suit.
"She's still quite green and was just doing enough. She has a good relaxed way of doing it and will stay seven.
"That's my first horse for David Kelly (Chief Executive of FBD Property & Leisure) so it's nice to kick off on the right note. He sponsored the Lester Piggott exhibition recently with FBD.
"To be honest I thought she might win a bit easier. I'd say we'll look to a nursery now and might take in a conditions race in between.
"I'm a fan of the sire also. I've had a few, obviously Niven, and another filly Kabaw who went on to finish third in the UAE 1,000 Guineas. From small numbers he's done alright."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into an incident about two furlongs from the finish involving Mirdif (GB), ridden by K. Fallon, placed fourth, Les Arceaux ridden by N.G. McCullagh, unplaced, What About Bob ridden by M.C. Hussey, unplaced, Loveisallaroundyou ridden by W.J. Lee, unplaced and Melisandre ridden by C.T. Keane, unplaced, where it appeared that Melisandre caused a knock on effect of interference when manoeuvering out to deliver her challenge. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by C.T. Keane riding carelessly and therefore cautioned him having taken his good previous record into consideration.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
