Nandiga wins under Chris Hayes at the Curragh© Photo Healy Racing
Katchy Lady and Canary Row are a couple of juveniles to have done owner Rick Barnes and trainer Patrick Prendergast proud already this term and despite a starting price of 25/1 (Brian Gleeson reported a bet of €200 each-way at 40/1 on Nandiga on RTE) Nandiga proved up to the task in the opening Saadiyat European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at the Curragh under Chris Hayes.
David Wachman 's well-touted Royal Empress and Ballydoyle's Delight looked like they'd come out on top at different points as the runners approached the business end but the victorious Bernardini American-bred saw it out best to win by a neck.
Prendergast said: "I'm pleased with that. I have ten two-year-olds and with two winners at home we have a good line.
"She was going just as well (as Katchy Lady and Canary Row) and she could be one for Royal Ascot.
"Chris said the ground was fast, it would be as quick as she wants it.
"Mine always improve for the run and that's the way I like to have it.
"I like her, she's plenty fast but a little bit green at home. I thought the six furlongs would suit as it would allow her to do a few little things wrong and get away with it." (GC & EM)
