Front-running Foniska off the mark in style

The Jessica Harrington-trained Foniska proved too strong for her rivals when making all for a convincing win in the opening fillies maiden at Thurles this afternoon.

The well bred daughter of Galileo, and Group 2 winner Bocca Baciata, went to post a 5/2 shot in the mile contest having been runner-up on her most recent outing at Cork.

Shane Foley jumped out in the front on the Flaxman Stables-owned filly and she had her rivals on the stretch passing the two pole.

Foley didn't need to get overly serious with his mount as she galloped on strongly to record a cosy two-length win over even-money favourite Delightful

Harrington said:- "She had been promising to do that, she has been a slow learner but she did it well and enjoyed being out in front. She was always in control of the race and I'm delighted with her.

"She stays really well, handles that ground, this is a front runners track and she loved it. I know it's only a maiden around Thurles but it is hard to win them anywhere.

"I don't think she'll run again this year, she could come back in one of those Guineas Trials next year but will get 1m2f and probably 1m4f.

“Her dam Bocca Baciata stayed 1m4f so there's no reason she won't get that distance being by Galileo."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)