Punita Arora (Shane Foley) beats Alligator Alley (Declan McDonogh) and Pistoletto (Seamie Heffernan)© Photo Healy Racing
Shane Foley has clearly kept himself in good shape during the lockdown. The Kilkenny man weighed in with a 2,403/1 Naas treble, brought up by Punita Arora (22/1) in the Listed Kuroshio At Compass Stallions Committed Stakes.
There was a 10 Cent Rule 4 on Punita Arora’s success alright, as Southern Hills was withdrawn for refusing to load.
It was a double on the day for Punita Arora’s trainer, Jessica Harrington, as Lucky Vega (also under Foley) won the colts and geldings juvenile maiden earlier for the Commonstown operation.
Foley triumphed in between on Leanne Breen’s Parkers Hill and the red-hot jockey, second as well in the opener on the card, was patient on Punita Arora.
The daughter of Sepoy had dwelt and went slightly left, before taking up a position towards the rear.
Ridden and making progress on the outer a furlong and a half out, the Harrington runner stayed on to challenge inside the final furlong.
Leading in the final fifty yards, the winner triumphed by a length and half a length from Alligator Alley and Pistoletto
Joint second favourite Nurse Barbara was a beaten docket from the start as the saddle went back and Colin Keane was immediately in difficulties.
Said Mrs Harrington's daughter Kate: “We have to thank Will Hayes for his work over the last couple of weeks because she's been very difficult in the stalls. She was still slow out of them but didn't rear today, which was the main thing.
“Shane always said he thought it'd really play into her hands the fact that they'd go hard because she loves following. We'll see what the owners want to do, but the Commonwealth Cup could be an option next week. We've always held her in high regard.
“She'll get confidence from the stalls from today and if she could iron that out, there could be a little more improvement hopefully.”
Paddy Power/Betfair introduced Punita Arora at 25/1 for the Commonwealth Cup.
C.T. Keane, rider of Nurse Barbara trained by G.M.Lyons, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped after the stalls opened.
The Stewards informed A.P.O'Brien, trainer that Southern Hills, would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.
(AM & EM)
