Toy (right) and Wayne Lordan© Photo Healy Racing
Irish Oaks runner-up Toy dropped in class and distance to land the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Bluebell Stakes under Wayne Lordan.
Unplaced in two French classics before that half-length defeat to Magical Lagoon at the Curragh, and out of the frame in the German Oaks when last seen in action in August, the sister to two Classic winners raced just behind the pace on the inner before being ridden to lead over a furlong out.
She had to fend off several challengers but did so in game fashion to beat Sunset Shiraz and Maristella by half a length and the same.
Aidan O’Brien, doubling up after ten-length winner Dame Kiri in the opener, said: “We are delighted with her as she is coming back off a break and that is why we went to a mile.
“We had one eye on America and if she was going there she needed a run.
“Wayne was very happy with her and gave her a great ride. Obviously it wouldn’t be her ground but she has a bit of class.
“We were thinking of the Fillies & Mares at the Breeders Cup so we’ll see how she comes out of this. She’s an important mare so may not stay in training next year but we’ll see what the lads want to do.
“She’s a typical Galileo filly it that she doesn’t want to get beat.”
Paddy Power have introduced Toy at 16/1 for the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Quotes from Alan Magee
