Va Pensiero and Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
Much of the attention pre-race for the Big Bad Bob Fillies Maiden (Plus 10 Race) focused on the massive tumble in price on track for newcomer Chosen Rock (33/1 into 4/1). Peter Casey's charge could only beat one home as another first-timer landed the spoils, Moyglare Stud Farm's Va Pensiero scoring under Pat Smullen.
The successful 7/1 shot, trained by Dermot Weld, is a daughter of High Chaparral and here she proved strongest in the final furlong for a length and a quarter victory over favourite Ruby Gates
Promising debutant The Tulip came home nicely to be a further short head back in third.
Smullen commented: "She's a very well bred filly and it's great to get a winning bracket. It wasn't the strongest race but she was in the right position and I got a lovely run through.
"It was nice to do that first time out and she was very professional. A mile is probably her distance."
The Stewards informed Patrick Martin, trainer that Dottie Lottie would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.
(AM & EM)
