Romantic Stroll is too much for Circle

Newcomer Circle and the four times previously tried Romantic Stroll (2/1 into 13/8) engaged in a great duel up the straight at Leopardstown in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden and it was hardly surprising given the testing conditions that the latter would tough it out best to score by a neck.

Well outgunned behind One Fine Day at Listowel last time, Romantic Stroll's form was boosted when the third from that contest, Custom Cut scored at Cork on Sunday.

Billy Lee rode Romantic Stroll for Tommy Stack and the in-form jockey (his third winner in six days) said: "She stuck her head out and battled on well.

"I thought when Colm (O'Donoghue on Circle) went by he'd go on by a length but he only got about a head in front.

"She got the mile well there and she'd probably get a mile and a quarter on good ground. She's only rated 70 and hopefully she'll win a handicap." (GC & EM)