Hanalia and Ben Coen (left)© Photo Healy Racing
Hanalia (16/1) continued the Aga Khan's excellent recent spell today, as the Johnny Murtagh-trained filly landed Naas' featured Listed Al Shira'aa Racing Irish EBF Naas Oaks Trial, under jockey Ben Coen.
Successful in May's English Oaks with Ezeliya and with impressive gelding Calandagan in last week's King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, the owner/breeder's Hanalia today stepped up, having won a Curragh maiden last month.
The Sea The Stars-filly was held up off the pace by Coen, who produced her with a well-timed challenge to lead inside the final furlong, beating runner-up Bellezza by three-parts of a length.
Murtagh said “she always showed us plenty, she was one of the ones we really liked and were looking forward to her this year.
“Her form has worked out with the second horse (from the Curragh) winning pretty well at Down Royal last week and we were coming here confident. She did a nice piece of work during the week and while I was surprised she was 25/1, that's the kind of race it was.
“She's not big but has a good turn of foot and when she relaxes early, she has a good turn of foot and it worked out very well today.”
He added “Ben said they went quick down to the bend and he was able to sit on her. When he turned in he had to look for a gap but when he did, she quickened up well. He said he loved the way she hit the line and she was tough as well.
“She's got a bit of class and it's nice to get a Listed winner because it looked a very competitive race this morning.
“Ben said he wouldn't go a mile-and-a-half just yet but maybe later. A mile-and-a-quarter is good for her at the moment.
“I entered her this morning in a Group 3 over a mile-and-one at the Curragh in three weeks' time. I'd definitely bring her back to a mile-and-one rather than going a mile-and-a-half at this stage.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
