Aidan O'Brien's Kamarinskaya (8/1 from 6s) proved a surprise winner of the Dimitrova 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes at Leopardstown today, the second leg of a double for the Coolmore trainer.
Although still a maiden and the stable's apparent second string behind Beauty Bright (9/4 - 5/4f), Kamarinskaya made all and was value for her two length win, under Seamus Heffernan
O'Brien later reported 'Kamarinskaya is a very good filly and will take her chance in either the French or English 1,000 Guineas.'
Regarding Beauty Bright, O'Brien mentioned 'she'll probably go for the French Guineas as she would probably act well at Longchamp.'
Kamarinskaya was later introduced, by Cashmans Bookmakers, at 20/1 for the English Guineas.
O'Brien earlier saddled the opening winner on the card, when Sacrosanct landed the Irish Stallion EBF Fillies Maiden, under Kieren Fallon.
Sacrosanct, well held on her only run as a two year old, the daughter of Sadler's Wells tracked the leaders, eventually getting her head in front close home for a half length win over Dingle Belle.
English raider Yasoodd's win in the Group 3 Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes left plenty punters scratching their head, with Mick Channon's horse matching at 350 (for #43), in-running, on Betfair.
Aidan O'Brien's James Joyce attempted to make all in the race, and although Caribbean, Heliostatic and Rekaab each threatened, it was Yasoodd, under Chris Catlin, who swooped late and fast to win by a neck.
Yasoodd was later quoted at 50/1 for the English 2,000 Guineas.
French import Perfect Hedge, having her first run for trainer John Oxx, ran out a game winner of the Listed Ennistown Stud EBF Salsabil Stakes.
Ridden by Mick Kinane, Perfect Hedge was settled in fourth before making progress to eventually get her head in front close home to deny 33/1 shot Sina Cova by one length.
Ger Lyons' Regaleya landed the Leopardstown Aertel Page 277 Handicap under Tadgh O'Shea while Home You Stroll, under Niall McCullagh, won on her handicap debut, in the www.leopardstown.com Handicap.
At Cork, the featured E35,000 Listed Imperial Call Chase was won by Robert Tyner's Slim Pickings.
Despite falling on his last two starts, Slim Pickings jumped well, under Barry Geraghty, eventually getting to the front at the fourth last fence.
Sher Beau briefly threatened at the next but Slim Pickings soon drew clear, eventually recording a comfortable four length win.
Tyner was absent but his wife Mary did mention 'today was the main plan and the ground really suited him; he may go to Punchestown next.'
The opening Buttevant Maiden Hurdle saw an easy winner, with Charles Byrnes' Carthalawn defeating Strike The Anvil, subsequently disqualified for losing his lead cloth, by three lengths.
Byrnes later reported 'Carthalawn was entitled to win that, jumps well and will go chasing after a break during the summer.'
Knockersally Flyer provided Athboy trainer Jane Thomas with her second winner, in the 2m3f handicap hurdle.
Afterwards Thomas mentioned 'I have my license about two years and have about twenty horses in training. Knockersally Flyer is a real chasing type but will stay hurdling for another while.'
Tippeenan Lass landed the Killetra Mares Handicap Hurdle, providing amateur jockey with his sixth winner, and first over hurdles.
Winning trainer Seamus Fahey later reported 'I've no plans for Tippeenan Lass but she will definitely go chasing eventually and loves this ground.'
