John Oxx continued his good form when Manieree provided a 9/1 upset in the feature Group 2 Blandford Stakes at the Curragh under Niall McCullagh.
The three-year-old filly made all and powered away from her ten rivals to win comfortably by three-and-a-quarter lengths from 12/1 chance Sapphire who was four lengths in front of Look At Me (11/2).
With Banimpire not running due to being in season, Bible Belt was sent off the warm 11/8 favourite in her bid for a four timer but she never got into the race and finished seventh.
John Oxx said: “It has been a good week. We have nice horses running in the right races. She likes soft ground and improved a bit today. The mile-and-a-quarter is better for her than one mile one furlong.
“She has been working better and better. Niall said she was very fresh on the way to the start but when he asked her to go during the race she flew.
“She’s a good filly and might be better if the ground is heavy. She is in the Prix de l’Opera and I’ll train her for it. If it is a soft ground week in France she might run there. She can make the running which can be useful in France.”
He also commented on Kirinda (10/1) from his stable who came home eighth in the race. He said: “She has been a bit disappointing. She is a bit weak under pressure but has ability.”
Michael Graham
