Alma Libre (striped cap) beats Barrys Rock (right) © Photo Healy Racing
Alma Libre (7/1) took the 1m2f apprentice handicap for Natalia Lupini and Danny Sheehy.
Placed four times in all last season, including when third in the corresponding race, the Kodiac mare was dropping in class after two outings at Leopardstown and took full advantage to score at 7/1.
Having tracked the leaders, she was pushed along from early in the straight and led over a furlong out. Barrys Rock who remarkably was second in this race last year, finished best of all down the outer but was a head adrift at the line with Rick Dalton half a length further back in third.
“She was due a win as she had hit the crossbar a few times last year,” said Lupini.
“We were hopeful today, the ground was lovely for her and everything looked perfect. Danny gave her a good ride, he was able to judge the pace perfectly and kicked on whenever he needed to.
“We had this race in mind as we're aiming to run her in the apprentice derby at the Curragh (second last year) over a mile-and-a-half. We think she'll get that trip okay on nice ground. That's the target this year and this is a nice win under her belt.
“She's a genuine filly, she tries hard every time. She's a very sweet filly at home as well, very easy to deal with. We're delighted she finally got her head in front.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
