Mark Nunan
No sweat for Cooler in the maiden
Cooler beats Segomo
© Photo Healy Racing
Available at 5/2 overnight, the Ger Lyons-trained Cooler was the one for morning money in the three-year-old maiden and readily justified 5/4 favouritism under Colin Keane.
The Frankel filly, third over a mile here before Christmas, sat second in a well-strung out field and was sent for home entering the straight. Segomo gave chase from that point but could make no impression on the winner who stayed on well to account for that rival by two and three-quarter lengths.
Out of a Group 1-winning half-sister to Dansili, Cooler is herself a half-sister to Australian Group 1 winner Mirage Dancer who stands at Castlefield Stud in Kilkenny
Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said: "It was imperative that she won her maiden being by what she is by, and she is well bred.
"Her biggest attribute is she wears her heart on her sleeve, she is very, very genuine.
"We'll see what the family (Juddmonte) says, we will go back and speak to the family and see what happens. We'll see what the handicapper does and take the next step.
"With that dirty bit of weather that came in, it was ideal (getting a lead). When your luck is in, everything goes into place."
And on preparations for the turf season, he added: "Our busiest time of the year, funny enough when people think it is the quietest, is January to March.
"It is an enjoyable time as well, there's a lot of superstars that the bubbles aren't burst!"
Quotes from Michael Graham