Magical Lagoon and Shane Foley (right) challenge Albula © Photo Healy Racing
Odds-on favourite Albula looked set to land the Manguard Plus Irish EBF Flame Of Tara Stakes racing towards the final furlong but was outstayed by Magical Lagoon
Held up by Shane Foley, the winner was pushed along in fifth two furlongs outand still had plenty to do in fourth at the furlong marker, but finished off her race very strongly to thwart the market leader by three quarters of a length.
The daughter of Galileo, who had won a barrier trial before finishing fourth to Albula at Naas, was completing a quick across-the-cards double for winning trainer Jessica Harrington after Mighty Meggsie rsquo;s victory at Down Royal.
“She needed the mile and stayed on very strongly," said Harrington.
“She was good today. She’ll probably have just one more run this year. She’s in the Fillies’ Mile and she might just go for that. She’s going to be a mile and a half filly next year.
“She was just a bit clueless the last day (in Naas). She’s a lovely filly and I’m delighted for Mr Zhang who now has a Group winning two-year-old this year.”
Magical Lagoon is now 16/1 (from 50s) with Paddy Power for the bet365 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket on October 8th.
Quotes from Alan Magee
