Shamreen doubles up in Blandford

Shamreen earned a shot at Group 1 company when taking the Moyglare 'Jewels' Blandford Stakes for the second year running at the Curragh.

Pat Smullen made all on the 9/1 shot and she galloped on strongly in the closing stages to land the Group 2 prize.

Dermot Weld 's charge was asked for her effort over a furlong from home and powered clear of her field to record a comprehensive three-length win over Beautiful Morning Sea Of Grace the well-backed 5/4 favourite, came to challenge two furlongs out but couldn't pick up and eventually finished fourth.

The winner is now set to tackle the top grade on Arc weekend.

“It was a very good performance by her. I thought she did it very well when she won the Royal Whip here the other day and this was even better today,” said Weld.

“She's won the race two years running and is a very valuable mare. I think she's entitled to have a crack at a Group 1 now so the Prix de L'Opera would be a logical target.

“She like the filly that won yesterday Eziyra. They are tough, game, genuine, courageous fillies. Eziyra will go for the Group 1 fillies and mares at Ascot.

“This race has been very lucky for us down through the years.

“We'll see how the two fillies get on on their next races before we make a decision (on staying in training).

“Shamreen is a four-year-old and doesn't have a lot more to achieve other than a Group 1.

“I'm delighted with the way things are going. I told everybody they wouldn't be back for Galway and of course nobody believed me. I said they'd be back coming up to Champions weekend and you saw that they would and they are.

“The plan always with this filly was the second half of the year.”

Smullen added:- “She's a very uncomplicated filly and very genuine. There was no obvious pace and I was happy to go to the front and I know she's a filly that's going to go to the line.

“It's testing ground and it's nearly heavy in the straight but she gets through it well.”