Review NAAS 9TH JUN

Crimphill may head next for the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh later this month after initiating a double for rider Eddie Ahern in the Leinster Race at Naas on Saturday.

The Sadler's Wells filly held on by a head from previous Leopardstown conqueror Ice Dancer, although the result was only confirmed after a stewards enquiry as the principals came close together in the final 100 yards. 'I knew she would improve from Leopardstown. She needs a good cut in the ground, so the heavy rain before racing was a help', said trainer Michael Grassick, who is considering the Group 2 'Pretty Polly'.

Ahern later completed a 59/1 double, and brought his tally for the season to ten, when Markskeepingfaith headed Zaraglen inside the final 100 yards to score by a neck in the EBF Fillies Handicap.

Blackmail took a walk in the market on his debut in the Kildare Maiden, but Lady O'Reilly's home-bred defied the lack of confidence by sweeping through inside the final furlong under Niall McCullagh to beat Seychelles by a length. 'He will be stepped up in trip next time for a winners race', said successful trainer John Oxx.

Pat Shanahan has enjoyed a good recent run of success, and he turned back the clock when partnering favourite No Apologies to a narrow victory over Paris Express in the Sallins Maiden. 'Pat was successful on his first ride, Tudor Chief, for me here 22 years ago today', said veteran Curragh trainer Con Collins.

Smuggler's Song and Goodwin Sands fought out a terrific finish to the other juvenile race on the card, the EBF Maiden, and to the surprise of most observers the photo-finish camera showed that the former had just prevailed. However the Charles O'Brien-trained gelding would have been unlucky not to collect as he was almost brought down approaching the home straight.

The stewards were not impressed with the frequent use of the whip by the two riders, Fran Berry and Seamus Heffernan. Smuggler's Song's partner Berry escaped with a severe caution due to his good record, but Heffernan was given a two days ban (June 18-19), and will have to undergo a days instruction on the use of the whip at RACE.

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