Gary Carson
Street overcomes traffic to claim Blue Wind
Caroline Street and Dylan Browne McMonagle
© Photo Healy Racing
Caroline Street weaved her way through the field to claim victory in the Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes at Naas this afternoon.
The Joseph O'Brien-trained filly, second behind Auguste Rodin in Group 2 company last season, was easy to back on her return to action today, going to post an 11/2 shot having been 5/2 this morning.
Dylan Browne McMonagle held his mount up towards rear off a strong pace in the ten furlong contest before taking closer order early in the straight.
The No Nay Never filly had to come between horses to make up her ground and hit the front inside the final furlong.
She stuck on well in the closing stages as stablemate Lumiere Rock pressed to record a half length success.
“It was a great result, they are two very nice fillies,” said O'Brien.
“I thought Lumiere Rock, carrying a penalty, hit the line really well and she looks like she's crying out for a mile-and-a-half.
“I was quite impressed with Caroline Street. When Dylan asked for a bit of gas at the bottom of the straight he was nearly taking her back then again when he was waiting for room.
“It was a lovely ride, he was cool. We were going a mile-and-a-quarter and she's a No Nay Never so we were riding her patiently and he gave her a lovely confident ride.”
When it was put to him she would get further he added:- “She potentially would.
“We might look at the Pretty Polly and we'll have a look at the Irish 1,000 Guineas. There is the Saratoga Oaks in the Autumn that would be a nice target for her, over a mile-and-a-quarter, but she will have to go somewhere between now and then.
“She's handled soft so I think she's pretty versatile ground wise.”