Tanaza bounces back to her best

Tanaza bounced back to her best to take the feature at Tipperary this evening, the Group 3 Coolmore Stud Fairy Bridge Stakes.

The Dermot Weld trained three-year-old beat Minding and Alice Springs into second on her first two starts as a juvenile, before finishing fourth in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh in September.

Having disappointed on her three outings this year, the daughter of Dubawi was sent off at 9/4 today, after being available at 6's last night before the defection of Now Or Never due to the ground.

The progressive Creggs Pipes who had won her last four, went off the 8/15 favourite under Declan McDonogh for Andy Slattery.

The market leader attempted to make all, with Tanaza settled in second under Smullen. The winner came with her challenge over a furlong out, and she was soon ridden to the front, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by three and a half lengths.

Creggs Pipes had to settle for second, while Lina De Vega was nine lengths back in third.

Kris Weld, son of the winning trainer, said afterwards: "She is a classy filly and it is nice to see her return to her two year old form.

"Pat (Smullen) didn't get the run he wanted in the Coronation Stakes but she has now won two Group 3's and we might look for a Group 2 next - her next run will probably decide whether she returns next year."

Smullen added: "That's her right trip and I think a flat seven (furlongs) is ideal as she has plenty pace. The ground was slow enough for her and she will be a nicer filly on a nicer surface.

"She didn't come to hand early in the year - some fillies do that but we always thought a lot of her and she is only getting it together now."

Paddy Power have introduced Tanaza into the betting for the Matron Stakes, and she is currently available at 14/1.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes