Smullen gets one back on Aurora

Pat Smullen cut the title deficit to four when Aurora Eclipse ran out a convincing winner of the five furlong maiden at Naas.

Michael O'Callaghan 's filly was making her first start since finishing a close second to Blue Uluru on her debut at Fairyhouse in late July.

She was sent to post the 15/8 favourite and was prominent on the outer from early in the five furlong contest.

The daughter of Kodiac was in front passing the furlong pole and kept on strongly in the closing stages to record a length-and-three-quarters win, as Gottardo ran on into second.

Smullen said afterwards:- "She just got beat by a better one at Fairyhouse but I thought with normal improvement from the run that she would be hard to beat.

“Coming back to five furlongs was never going to be a problem as she's naturally quick but equally she got to the line real strong so it opens up more doors for her next year.

“She will go six furlongs, and the little ease in the ground helped her. I would have been disappointed if she got beat.

"When she met the rising ground she really dug deep, and whatever she does for the rest of the year will be a bonus and she will be a lovely filly for next year."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)