Odds-on Byzantium just prevails

Byzantium just got the better of Sharaasa in the Bungle Inthejungle EBF Fillies Maiden, justifying favouritism under Pat Smullen for Eddie Lynam.

The daughter of Dutch Art ran a cracker on her debut in the Listed Blenheim Stakes at the Curragh, finishing third to The Great War.

Available at 11/8 this morning she opened on-course at 11/10 before going off a 9/10 chance.

Drawn widest of all in nineteen she soon tracked the leaders and came with her challenge on the outer from two furlongs out.

She was soon ridden and battled gamely in the closing stages to just prevail by a short head from Sharaasa who was returned at 10/1 under Chris Hayes for Kevin Prendergast. Zunera who was backed from 10/1 this morning, finished a length and a quarter back in third under Shane Foley for Mick Halford at 7/1.

Eddie Lynam said afterwards: "On first viewing I thought 'oh dear we're beat' but she got home and won.

"Maybe I over-rated her but I thought she was very good. Pat still thinks she could be but she'd have to improve a bit from that.

"He said she's still very green but I like to see it in the form-book. Lets hope she's very good but it looks at the moment likes she's just good.

"We'll see what she's like next year. She was well bought anyway – she wasn't expensive."

STEWARDS REPORTS

G.F. Carroll, rider of Broadfield Puddle trained by J.T. Gorman, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran free and he checked his mount in running to keep off heels.

C. O'Donoghue, rider of Octavia trained by David Marnane, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he checked his mount in running to avoid clipping heels.

L.F. Roche, rider of Pavlopetri trained by W. McCreery, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he checked his mount in running to avoid clipping heels.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Can She Fly (GB), at the request of trainer, Denis W. Cullen, and reported the animal to be lame post race.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson