Optional Mix and Malina Girl (right) jump the last© Photo Healy Racing
Malina Girl ran out a good winner of the opener at Fairyhouse this afternoon, the Bar One Racing Sign Up Bet 10 Get 50 Irish EBF Mares Handicap Chase.
Successful on her seventh try over fences at Roscommon in September, the Gavin Cromwell trained bay was since placed at Limerick and Cheltenham respectively.
Her latest effort in the Cotswolds was over three miles and a furlong and dropped in trip today she was sent off a 5/1 chance.
Settled in mid-division by Luke Dempsey, she was fifth halfway, taking closer order from four out. She responded well when ridden away from the second last and soon closed on the leaders.
In front shortly after the final fence, she stretched clear on the run-in and came home five-lengths to the good in the colours of the Pique Syndicate.
The front-running Optional Mix (4/1jfav) had to settle for second under Jordan Gainford for Eoin Doyle, while Razzle Dazzle Love (8/1) was another six-and-a-half lengths back in third.
The well-backed Maskada (4/1jf from 8s early) crashed out at the second last when travelling strongly in a close third.
"The soft ground brought her stamina into play over the trip and for a small mare she's very good to jump. It’s a nice pot," Cromwell commented.
"I bought her in an August sale for E7,500 and she's won a bumper, an auction maiden hurdle and a beginners chase and a five grand bonus for winning each race and a ten grand sales voucher for winning the auction race.
"She's been some money-spinner."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
