Amber's experience counts in Leopardstown opener

Winner Lightning Amber had the benefit of four previous outings, runner-up and favourite Heliac had run just once, and that may have been the deciding factor in today's first event at Leopardstown.

Fourth at the Curragh 75 days ago, the market spoke strongly for Heliac (9/4 into 6/4) in this Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden (Plus 10 Race).

Lightning Amber was easier to back, settling on an S.P. of 6/1 after opening at 9/2 and touching 'sevens.'

Heliac had every chance, but it was gutting for her supporters as when she got herself fully organised deep inside the last she only just failed to deal with Lightning Amber, going down by a neck.

Declan McDonogh rode Lightning Amber for Moyglare Stud Farm and Dermot Weld.

McDonogh reported: "She's very relaxed. You can't light her up even if you tried. She has a good mind and that will stand her in good stead. She's a huge big filly and I think she will make a nice three-year-old."

Weld said: "She is a very genuine filly and she got a very good ride from Declan. It's not easy from a 17 draw and that was the plan to get out and get over.

"She's tough and hopefully will make into a Stakes filly next year. She was immature early in the year and is just filling into that big frame now."

(AM & EM)