O'Brien's bear mauls Naas rivals

Third career win for Iva Batt

We're only learning about her. We would have been very disappointed if she didn't run well today, she was doing what she does at home. An ease in the ground suits and she does her own thing. She oozes ability but she reserves a bit for herself at times.

Murtagh off the mark for Aga Khan with Shartash

Tranquil enters Oaks picture after cosy Blue Wind win

We were hoping for a big run in Navan and we were disappointed. This was plan b to come here, to be honest, but she came out of Navan well and we thought it was a suitable race,. I was a bit worried about the ground and (Teme Valley racing manager) Richard (Ryan) convinced me to run her. I don't think she wants it too soft but she handled it well and Dylan gave her a lovely ride. We think she's a nice filly and she looked it today. I don't know why she didn't really fire in Navan, it wasn't a bad run and it was probably a good race but we were hoping for more and it's nice to see her doing it today.

Ruler Legend makes all for McDonogh

He did it well. He ran well here last year and likes a dig in the ground. He's a big galloper and will probably get a mile-and-a-half. He could be an Ulster Derby horse or something like that. All he does is stay, he's resolute and keeps galloping. He probably ran into quite a nice horse of Joseph's (Ghasham) in Cork the last day. He's getting weight off them all today so he'll have to improve as well.

Odds-on Ezine clings on for victory

She's a lovely filly, she just got tired in the last 100 yards. She had the race won, put it to bed, but she'd idled. It's only her second run and that's tiring ground there today. She has lots of ability and we'll try and get some black-type with her next. We'll have to see how she comes out of the race. I think she'll be best over at least a mile, she would just like a little bit better ground. That run will do a lot for her. She was all on her own there, got a little bit lonely, she's inexperienced but she's a filly you'll find will progress very nicely from this.

Rough Diamond sparkles at Naas

He did it well. He won a maiden first time out, which is very unlike one of mine, and suffered then as he got a lofty rating. He's kind of stupid and he's well named! He'd be kept back a few years in school if he was on two legs, he's not the brightest bulb in the shop. He's getting the hang of sprinting, he ran well a couple of weeks ago, and Shane said he was pretty straight forward today. There is a huge draw bias here, he was high and Teddy (Boy, runner-up in the earlier 5f handicap) was low. It's swings and roundabouts but you need to be down this side.

Drombeg Banner proudly flying the flag for the McAuliffes

A hundred yards down he was definitely headed and to his credit he battled back. He's a good horse that's still learning about sprinting. I was just a bit worried about six today, as he goes along I'd say five will end up his optimum. He's a progressive three-year-old sprinter that's going to make into a stakes horse. We'll give him a chance as he's had a hard race there but it's very pleasing how willing and honest he is. He's got a very high cruising speed and was very comfortable most of the way but when he had to battle he really did. There is the Junefest (premier handicap) on June 1st at the Curragh, we might have a look and see what the handicapper says but I would think his future will probably be in stakes company now. It's great for the McAuliffe family. Phil is the owner/breeder and his wife Alice and the sons Cian and Cathal are all here. It's a great family occasion and they'll get a big boost out of that.