Gary Carson
Tranquil enters Oaks picture after cosy Blue Wind win
Tranquil Lady and Dylan Browne McMonagle (centre) beat Lily Pond
© Photo Healy Racing
Tranquil Lady put herself in the frame for the Oaks with an impressive display in the Blue Wind Stakes at Naas this afternoon.
The Joseph O'Brien-trained filly had been fourth in the Salsabil Stakes on her return at Navan last month and stepped forward from that to run out a cosy winner of today's Group 3 contest.
Dylan Browne McMonagle 's mount travelled smoothly to challenge early in the straight in the ten furlong contest and asserted over a furlong from home to post a four-length win over Lily Pond
“We were hoping for a big run in Navan and we were disappointed. This was plan b to come here, to be honest, but she came out of Navan well and we thought it was a suitable race,” said O'Brien.
“I was a bit worried about the ground and (Teme Valley racing manager) Richard (Ryan) convinced me to run her.
“I don't think she wants it too soft but she handled it well and Dylan gave her a lovely ride. We think she's a nice filly and she looked it today.
“I don't know why she didn't really fire in Navan, it wasn't a bad run and it was probably a good race but we were hoping for more and it's nice to see her doing it today.”
On the possibility of going for the Oaks he added:- “It wasn't the plan but it's definitely a conversation we'll have with Richard and Jim (Cockburn) now.
“She popped her head up today as if she should be going there. We kind of had the Curragh in our minds but we have to certainly talk about it now.”
Stablemate Tosen Lydia finished third and he said of her:- “She probably won't go to the Oaks. We think she's a good filly but I'm not sure if she might be best at a mile, but still it was nice to get black-type with her today.”