Pandemic Princess has been out of the first four only once in eight runs at Dundalk this winter and the Mehmas filly recorded her second victory in the BetVictor Loyalty Club 3-y-o Handicap.

6lb higher than when winning over the same six furlong trip in December, she was dropped out by Sean Davis and had all ten rivals in front of her turning for home. She picked up well towards the far side in the straight and launched her challenge over a furlong out. Despite her rider losing his whip, she was soon in front and just held on to beat the fast-finishing Form Of Praise by a head.

Winning trainer Richard O'Brien, who was on lead-up duties, said: “Sean (Davis) did the right thing. He planned to take his time and it worked out. She’s progressing and that was a good run the last day against older horses.

“We’re finished up here and maybe she can win again on a bit of nice ground.

“She knows this place too well and is inclined to keep half an eye on here (the parade ring). If she went somewhere she didn’t know she could step forward again.

“Denis and Ailish Enright (from the Kingdom Thoroughbred Syndicate) are here so it’s great.”

AM & MN