Independent Missy and Ronan Whelan (right) win for trainer Tracey Collins © Photo Healy Racing
The 10/3 favourite Iva Batt led and was travelling by far the best two furlongs out in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Handicap but the market leader didn’t see out her race and it was Independent Missy (5/1) who led home the closers.
The Dandy Man mare, ridden by Ronan Whelan, had half a length and the same to spare over Miss Molly T (9/1) and Silver Service (4/1) at the line with the favourite back in fourth.
The winner had won a Fairyhouse maiden at three and was busy at Dundalk over the winter where several respectable displays had seen her just fall short.
Winning trainer Tracey Collins said: “I'm delighted. She's probably been a little bit disappointing for us because we expected more of her early on.
“She's come well in her coat and was pleasing us so we decided to come here as it was a fillies handicap.
“Ronan's given her a lovely ride and she came off the pace well so she probably just needs a very strong run race.
“She was only beaten a few lengths in some good races. She was maybe a little bit unlucky in Dundalk when she finished sixth (in the Belgrave Stakes) as she got into trouble on the bend.
“Mr. Rogers is an owner/breeder and that black-type is elusive, hopefully she can get it.
“She's probably a filly that lacked confidence and hopefully she can go forward from here.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
