Pista makes it nine winners this week for Joseph Pista made a considerable step forward from her debut to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden in great style at Galway. The 12/1 chance got a lovely split between horses to lead off the home turn under Shane Crosse, who is still able to claim 3lb for a few days despite riding out his claim at Leopardstown on Friday. The daughter of American Pharoah soon asserted and stayed on strongly inside the final furlong to beat stablemate Lady Dahlia by six and a half lengths. Prose, the 7/4 favourite, could find no extra inside the final furlong in third. Brendan Powell, assistant to winning trainer Joseph O’Brien, said “She was very slow away at Leopardstown and the ground was quick. She was galloping up and down on the spot and then she ran on past a few in the straight. “Shane said on the day that it might not have looked it but she’s okay and softer ground would be a benefit to her. “She’s done it nicely and Shane said she was still a bit green. She looks like an out and out stayer. She’s a big filly with a great temperament, and she can only improve. Soft ground is a must for her as she has a high action. “She could have a good autumn and it’s great for Scott (Heider) who is a great supporter.”
