Albany plan for 'lazy' Matrika

Champion trainer Aidan O'Brien and stable jockey Ryan Moore followed up yesterday's Guineas glory with the Curragh's opening winner today, as newcomer Matrika landed the Tally Ho Stud Irish EBF Maiden.

Market drifter Matrika (morning 2/1, returned 6/1) raced with the pace throughout and in the final furlong quickened well to beat Grand Job by three-parts of a length.

O’Brien, who won his 12th Irish 2,000 Guineas with Paddington yesterday, revealed “Matrika is so lazy at home that she’s been wearing blinkers the last few weeks in work. We had them (declared) on but then took them off at the last minute as we said we couldn’t run her first time in them.

“Wayne (Lordan) rides her every day and said to leave them off her for her first run. She’s so lazy at home, that’s why she hasn’t run until now. She just sees things that don’t be there.”

He added “she’s a well-bred filly and is a sister to The Wow Signal.

“We’ll have a look at something like the Albany with her. We’ll leave them (blinkers) off her for the moment but she is better with them on!”

Paddy Power and Betfair introduced Matrika at 6/1 for the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Quotes from Alan Magee