Sapphire shines in Noblesse

Sapphire stamped her class on proceedings when running out an impressive winner of the Kerry Group Noblesse Stakes at Cork.

The 11/8 favourite tracked the leaders in the Group 3 contest before getting a lovely split on the rail to take up the running early in the straight.

Pat Smullen asked his mount to quicken clear over a furlong out and she soon put daylight between herself and her rivals.

Dermot Weld 's charge didn't have to engage top gear as she went on for a cosy four-and-three-quarter length success over Betterbetterbetter

The Moyglare-owned winner was making her first start of the season having looked a progressive type last year, which ended in Listed success.

"We've won this valuable Group race in three out of the last four years," revealed Weld afterwards.

"She's a very progressive mare and I'll probably bring her back to a mile-and-two now for the Group 1 Pretty Polly at the Curragh.

"She'll probably have to travel as the year progresses. She's just a class act and she does like an ease in the ground."

Gary Carson & Alan Magee