Third impresses in Navan opener

Third Of March put in an impressive performance to take the opener at Navan, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

Third on debut at Naas in June, the daughter of Camacho was sent off a 6/1 chance (from 8s on-course) this afternoon under Leigh Roche.

Drawn in stall 20, the bay victor soon got to the front, and stretched clear from over a furlong out, going on to score easily by five and a half lengths.

The Aidan O'Brien duo of Western Frontier (evens favourite) and Captainofthebounty (13/2) were second and third, with a length and a half between them at the line.

O'Callaghan said afterwards: "She had a little bit of a setback after Naas and that's why she hasn't ran since then. It was minor but with the bit of a break she grew and strengthened up.

"She's exceeded our expectations with the way she has won today. I've no plans for her at the moment but she could go for the seven-furlong Guineas Trial next season. She's a fast filly so I'm not sure how much farther she will get but seven around a bend at Leopardstown should be alright.

"She's a lovely filly with a big future because she has lots of scope."

The winner who was bred by John O'Connor, was bought for E67,000 at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale in September of last year.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee