Honey proves sweet in Athasi Honey Girl powered clear in the closing stages to run out an impressive winner of the Circus Maximus Irish EBF Athasi Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon. The Joseph O'Brien-trained filly had gained a deserved maiden win at the course back in March and bagged a valuable Group 3 success in fine style. Dylan Browne McMonagle tracked the leaders on the well backed 4/1 shot (11/1 this morning) before asking his mount to take closer order passing the two pole. The Mayson filly hit the front at the furlong marker and soon settled matters, going on to post a comprehensive three-and-a-half length win over front-running stablemate Agartha. “She had some very smart form last season for Henry de Bromhead and ran very well in Group 1 company,” said O'Brien. “She won very well here last time and it's nice to see her back that up with another good performance today. She's an exciting filly for the future. “She handles soft ground well and probably is at her best on soft ground so that's something we'll keep in mind for the rest of the season. “We don't have anything immediately in mind but her owners are Australian and they are going to Royal Ascot so there is a fair chance she'll turn up there somewhere but she'll probably be at her best in the spring and autumn when she has a bit of juice in the ground. “She was impressive today. Dylan gets a nice tune out of her, she had been awkward and quite tricky in the stalls. “It's nice to see her back up a good run with another good run as she didn't always do that. “They get confidence from winning, there is no doubt about that, and it's nice to win a Group race with her. “I was very proud of Agartha's run. She disappointed us a little bit here the first day of the season but it was nice to see her come back to nearly her best form today. I'm sure there is more to come from her.”
