Aspen Grove (near side) finishes best © Photo Healy Racing
The Newtownanner Stud Irish EBF Stakes produced a shock result when 66/1 outsider Aspen Grove swept past better-fancied rivals in the final furlong.
Twice unplaced in Curragh maidens earlier in the season, the daughter of Justify was held up in rear and got a bump from eventual runner-up Shelton over two furlongs out. Ridden with just one behind her over a furlong out, she picked up well to score by a length and quarter with Eternal Silence a further head away in third.
Owned by Craig Bernick, the winner holds an entry in next month’s Moyglare Stud Stakes.
This Group 3 success was first at pattern level for Galway Plate-winning rider Mark Enright
Winning trainer Fozzy Stack said: “She ran well here Guineas weekend and we always knew she wanted further.
“The ground was then lightening fast here on the Friday of Derby weekend and she just didn’t let herself down on it.
“We’ll see whether we run her again or not.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
