Velocidad beating Yet (left) and Cheerupsleepyjean© Photo Healy Racing
Velocidad took the step up from an Auction Maiden at Fairyhouse to the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes in her stride with an impressive success at the Curragh.
The Gleneagles filly was supported into 85/40 (from 7/2) for this four-runner affair and, having raced quite keenly, was sent to the front about a furlong and a half out by Declan McDonogh.
She asserted inside the final furlong to beat the front-running Yet by two and a quarter lengths, while evens favourite Cheerupsleepyjean also took a keen hold in rear.
The market leader could make no impression inside the final furlong a further length and three quarters away in third.
Winning trainer Joseph O'Brien said, "She won nicely, Declan gave her a lovely ride and she's a good filly.
"She's always shown a lot of speed but it is a staying family. Today she looked quick and she's a Group 2 winner now so whatever happens from here on in is a bonus.
“I suppose the Cheveley Park would be the longer term target.”
Velocidad cost just 25,000 guineas last year in Book 1 of the Tattersalls Yearling Sale and O'Brien added, "Gleneagles probably wasn't very fashionable last year but he's a good stallion. Trade is very fashion orientated."
(GC & AM)
