Effernock Fizz (right) sees off the challenge of Bashiyr© Photo Healy Racing
After filling the runner-up spot on her last two starts, Effernock Fizz was a deserving winner of the Indaver Bellewstown Bowl Handicap.
The likeable Katy Brown trained five-year-old was second to Mighty Blue at the Curragh on Saturday and turned out again quickly, she was sent off a well-backed 10/3 chance (8s in early shows).
Settled in second by Mark Gallagher, the daughter of Lovelace was pushed along from the three furlong pole and soon got to the front.
Ridden over a furlong out, she was strongly pressed by Bashiyr (5/1) inside the final 200 yards, but pulled out more when required, going on to see off that rival by three parts of a length.
Dylan Browne McGonagle was aboard the runner-up for Dermot Weld, while Camorra (13/2) ran on well to take third, a further length and a quarter back. Pugin was returned the 3/1 favourite and he finished a disappointing seventh.
Brown said afterwards: "She's a tough mare. She was second in the Curragh on Saturday and she ran in the same race last year before winning here over hurdles.
"We have her entered for the Petingo Handicap in Leopardstown on Champions Weekend so fingers crossed she’ll get in.
"She was due to go up 5lb and whatever she gets today should give her a good chance of getting in. She deserves a crack at a good pot.
"She's been consistent all season and we're delighted to get her head in front. Ideally she wants the ground a bit better but she's stronger this year and seems to be dealing with the softer ground on the flat.
"She was just done for third in the Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary. When she's jumping she just can't seem to get out of the tacky ground but on the flat she seems to be a different mare.
"She likes to get on with it and make the running. We didn't get a clear lead today but Mark gave her a peach of a ride. I told him if something wanted to force the pace then he could slot her in and get her settled. He said she just kept finding a gear for him.
"She's a superstar and I'm very grateful to Tom Sheridan for giving me the chance to train her so early on in my career."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
