Musical Rhapsody winning jockey gives owner Helen Keaveney a kiss after their win © Photo Healy Racing
A winner over two furlongs further last time, Musical Rhapsody needed every yard of the trip when getting up close home under Gary Carroll to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap at Leopardstown.
The Gavin Cromwell trained four-year-old looked to have a mountain to climb when pushed along at the rear of the field turning into the straight.
At that point, Signora Bellisima had taken a couple of lengths out of her rivals with only the strong travelling New Hill looking like throwing down any meaningful challenge.
However, as the latter flattened out and the leader began to tire, Carroll produced Musical Rhapsody from out of the pack to get up close home.
“I thought the first three furlongs they went along a good gallop, she likes to travel in her comfort zone so I gave her a chance,” said Carroll.
“When I got into the straight the gaps came and I loved the way she hit the line. She does stay further and galloped out really well.
“She's very tough and tries very hard so it's great.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
