Shale (Ryan Moore) beats Pretty Gorgeous (Declan McDonogh)© Photo Healy Racing
“The ground was a little bit more in our favour today,” said Donnacha O’Brien after his Shale (9/2 second favourite) beat his brother Joseph’s Pretty Gorgeous (11/10 market-leader) in the Group One Moyglare Stud Fillies’ Stakes at the Curragh.
Reversing course and distance form from the Debutante just over three weeks back, Shale was really gritting in fending off Pretty Gorgeous by three parts of a length.
Oddnadatta was a length and three parts back in third.
Having chased the leaders Shale led two furlongs out, and though joined and briefly headed by Pretty Gorgeous, she ultimately wasn’t for beating, leading again inside the last.
The runner-up was keen early and checked after a furlong. She was briefly short of room over two furlongs out as well. She had every chance though.
Paddy Power go 12/1 favourite Shale (from 20s) for the 1000 Guineas.
“She was nearly the first one off the bridle and I didn't think she was going to do anything at halfway,” further reflected O'Brien.
“She found a lot for pressure and she toughed it out. It was a very good performance.
“She was always a nice filly but wasn't one we thought would be capable of winning a Moyglare at the start of the year but she kept progressing the whole way.
“Even her last run was good, and Joseph's filly looked very classy. They are two very good fillies.
“I was speaking to Ryan briefly there and he said the Fillies Mile so I expect it will be either there or France for the Boussac.”
W.J. Lee, rider of Teresa Mendoza trained by K.J. Condon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran flat during this race.
The Stewards enquired into an incident over five furlongs from the finish involving Aunty Bridy ridden by K.J. Manning, placed sixth, Oodnadatta ridden by S. Foley, placed third and Pretty Gorgeous (FR), ridden by D.P. McDonogh, placed second, where it appeared that Aunty Bridy checked in running.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that any interference caused was accidental in nature and took no further action.
(GC & EM)
