Spinning Memories comes home clear of Captain Vancouver © Photo Healy Racing
After winning the opener on Lethal Promise Billy Lee doubled-up on impressive debutant Spinning Memories in the www.naasracecourse.com Maiden.
Trained by Andy Oliver, who saddled a 1, 2 at Downpatrick yesterday, the daughter of Arcano was sent off an unconsidered 20/1 chance in the colours of owner Mubarak Al Naemi.
Soon settled behind the leaders in fourth, she came with her challenge two furlongs out, and hit the front a furlong and a half from home, keeping on well under pressure from there to score easily by five lengths. Captain Vancouver was sent off the 11/10 favourite, and after attempting to make all, he had no answer once headed, and had to settle for second.
Newcomer Curly (2/1) completed the places another two and three parts of a length back in third.
"She's a real nice filly and we've liked her for a while," said Oliver.
"She's been doing everything well at home. We were hopeful of a good run but you never know until you get here.
"Billy gave her a lovely ride, kept her nice and settled, and she put it to bed very easily.
"We'll take baby steps, see where we go from here, see what there is coming up for her and see which direction and how quick we go with her.
"She is entitled to come on from that as she's having as good blow. We do think a lot of her but first time out you've got to let her progress as she's able. I was very impressed.
"Because I thought she might go in tonight, and that's rare I would think that, I have looked up the program book a bit but it's very tentative and I want to talk to the owners.
"She should be okay for Derby weekend but we have to see whether or not that's a bit soon. There are several options but I want to talk to connections first.
"We'll see if the handicapper gives her a mark after that. The premier fillies handicap at the Curragh was one thing I was looking at but it just depends on the mark.
"To win five lengths here she might be already too high for a handicap. We'll see."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
