Soldaro off the mark in good style

Soldaro was a significant drifter for the Fethard Maiden Hurdle but, in truth, her backers had few moments of worry.

From as short as 8/15 last night, Gavin Cromwell's mare drifted out to an SP of 5/4f for this 'unplaced' maiden.

She raced in third for Sean Flanagan behind the leader Tipp For Mac who attracted support down to 11/8, before making good headway to close before two out.

She was on terms there and merely had to be shaken up to assert racing to the last. The Soldier Of Fortune mare popped it and won as she pleased by two and a half lengths. Millstream Lady (18/1) stayed on to grab second by a short head from Tipp For Mac.

Soldaro brought the strongest piece of recent form to the contest in fourth at Fairyhouse in January.

Cromwell said: "It wasn't the greatest of maiden hurdles, but she is a half-sister to Jeremys Flame and it is nice for her to do that. I initially thought she'd be competitive in bumpers but it didn't work out for her, but Jeremys Flame was a slow enough starter so hopefully she can progress.

"She has turned into a strong mare and hopefully can go on from this. I can't imagine the handicapper can be too hard on her after that and she will go handicapping now."

Jeremys Flame has won seven times including in a Listed mares' chase at Huntingdon when last seen in January.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes