Despite a huge field going to post for the featured Tattersalls Breeders Stakes on Saturday afternoon, one filly was expected to outclass her twenty three opponents. Her name was Majestic Desert, and she didn't disappoint those who helped send her off 5/4 market-leader.
An excellent third at Royal Ascot, Mick Channon's charge had to overcome a poor draw, but Michael Kinane was able to produce his mount to lead over a furlong out and then held the challenge of fellow British-raider, Totally Yours by a head.
Bruce Raymond, former jockey, represented winning-owner, Jaber Abdullah. The Moyglare Stakes here next month was mentioned as a possible objective for the daughter of Fraam.
Form from the Royal meeting was also put to the test when Pearl Of Love went to post for the Group 2 Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes. A winner there in June, the Mark Johnston-trained juvenile showed a touch of class here, making all for an impressive three and a half length win.
Owned by Wicklow-native, Mick Doyle, the son of Peintre Celebre will now most likely return to headquarters on September 19 for a crack at the National Stakes. Cashmans now make him a 16/1 chance for next year's Guineas while he is now a 20/1 shot with the same firm for the Epsom Derby.
Watching the Listed Ballygallon Stud Belgrave Stakes, it was difficult to believe that the successful horse, Desert Fantasy, had won a handicap at the same course back in late June off a mark of 60.
However seeing was believing, as Christy Roche's charge led travelling well over two furlongs out in the hands of Tom Queally (received a 3-day suspension for using his whip with excessive force), and kept going well to beat Mombassa by half a length. Winning handler Roche was an absentee.
Favourite backers would have been pretty pleased as the runners crossed the line in the opening claimer. The general feeling was that Supreme Certainty had justified his market position, but the photo clearly showed that Soranna had got there on the line to grab a share of the spoils.
In the true spirit of sportsmanship, Dermot Weld and Michael Grassick shook hands as the result was announced. The former had a few moments of anxiety when a steward's enquiry was then called, but the finishing positions were left unaltered. There were no successful claims following the event.
Despite being friendless in the market, Rossmore Rosie still ran out a convincing two and a half length victor of the sprint maiden. Showing speed to lead throughout under Billy Lee, Dermot Kelly's charge recorded a quick 58.8 seconds time. Many members of the Jack of Trumps syndicate, winning owners, were in attendance.
Horses in form can never be underestimated and Tigim emphasised that point in the 6f handicap. After finally gaining a well-deserved win at Cork last time, punters fancied Peter Henley's charge to go in again, backing Pat Cosgrave's mount from 6/1 into 4/1 favouritism.
How right they were they were proved, as the son of Fayruz utilised his draw on the rails, in the firing line throughout, racing away to a convincing two length victory inside the final furlong.
Luggala also came in for market support in the closing Ballymany Handicap, and Eddie Lynam's filly was well handled by pilot, Catherine Gannon to record a three length win.
