Matter Of Fact claims odds-on favourite

Matter Of Fact was played fast and late to swoop on the odds-on favourite Sweetest in the extended five furlong juvenile fillies' maiden at Naas.

Sweetest (4/5f) travelled nicely behind the leaders racing past the two pole and was sent about her business to hit the front inside the final 150 yards.

She looked to have played a winning move, however, Nathan Crosse conjured a strong finish from Matter Of Fact (22/1) who surged home over the top and claimed her close home to score by three-parts of a length. Vivienda came in third on debut at 11/2.

No Nay Never filly Matter Of Fact finished eighth on debut over five furlongs at this track in May.

Trainer Jessica Harrington said: “That was nice. She ran in May and has grown an awful lot since then.

“Nathan said when she was in behind she was behind the bridle, whether it was the kickback or what. It wasn't until he pulled her out that she absolutely flew up the hill.

“She did it well. She was still very green and she'll have learned a lot, which is great.

“I'd say she could step up in trip but the dam only got six, even though she's by Galileo. She has got a beautiful pedigree.

“My two-year-olds are only just starting to come to themselves. They were all good in the spring and then they all started growing. She was small in May, but now she's a fine, big filly.

“We'll see what comes up and see where we go from here. I'd hope we'd be going for stakes race next. She's got the pedigree and she's done that well.

“I'd say it was a good maiden, my other filly (fourth-placed Heavenly Being didn't seem to get home.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson