Trainer Michael Grassick © Photo Healy Racing
Michael Grassick is aiming high with Miss Myers after a eye-catching run in Group 3 company on her first start for the yard.
The daughter of Zoffany overcame a tardy start and some traffic problems to finish fourth to Lemista, in the Park Express Stakes, on the opening day of the Flat season at Naas last Monday.
It was a notable effort from a filly that went to post as a 100/1 shot in the mile event and the Curragh handler is now planning an Oaks campaign for his charge.
Miss Myers runs in the colours of former HRI Chairman Joe Keeling and holds entries in both the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Irish Oaks.
Grassick revealed that the original plan had been to aim the filly at a handicap but they decided to take their chance in stakes company due to the uncertainty surrounding racing:-
“We had wanted to keep her for the handicap at the Curragh, that was actually meant to be on today, but we were keen to get a run into her and thought she wouldn't disgrace herself.
“I know her handicap mark is ruined now but she was bought to run in stakes races. I was delighted with the run.
“It was just unfortunate that she missed the break as the plan was to ride her handy. He had to sit and suffer a bit.
“Robbie (Colgan) thought she would have been a lot closer if she hadn't missed it, as she gave away two or three lengths at the start.
“It was hard to see that watching the race, with the camera head on, but he felt it cost him.
“Colin Keane's horse wandered a bit in front of her late on as well which wasn't ideal but we were delighted with her because we felt that there would be improvement and she was probably a little bit unlucky in running.”
The run has given connections every encouragement to aim her at the top and Grassick added:-
“We think she's more of an Oaks filly because we think she is going to stay.
“Billy Lee usually rides her in all her work at home. He didn't ride her the other day as he couldn't do the weight.
“Paddy Twomey wanted him to ride his filly and he didn't mind him doing overweight.
“Billy was of the opinion that she could run into a place in an Oaks so that's the way we are going to train her.
“We always felt she could be a stakes performer but you are kind of dreaming when you talk about an Oaks and things like that.
“Hopefully when we get back going again we'd be looking at an Oaks trial and then the Irish Oaks.
“That's what we'd like to aim at, step up to ten furlongs and then take it from there.”
