Gate opens for O'Brien's Heavens at second attempt

Heavens Gate went one place better than when runner-up on debut when quickening up smartly to win at the second time of asking in the Trainor Stone And Tile Irish EBF Fillies Maiden at the Curragh.

Following that promising introduction when second at Navan earlier this month, the daughter of Churchill took a significant step forward here under Ryan Moore.

The complexion of this race changed right from stalls, as 7/4f Cold Hearted ducked sharply left, forcing Shane Foley to come stands side.

With all but two electing to come up the centre, the main race developed away from the favourite from over two furlongs out. Queens Fury led the larger group to the furlong point but had no answer when the eventual winner went by her. The latter under Ryan Moore stayed on strongly to beat stablemate January by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

Aidan O’Brien said: “We think she’s an Albany filly. She came forward from Navan which Ryan thought she would. She’s a good smart filly.

“She’s a powerful filly. Her dam is 22 and hadn’t bred a good one until now. Churchill is obviously a decent stallion.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.

Paddy Power introduced Heavens Gate into their Albany Stakes betting at 10/1.