Sea Of Blue and Seamie Heffernan© Photo Healy Racing
With top-weight Rock On Rosie's defection from the titanbet.co.uk Handicap on account of an allergy, first-reserve Sea Of Blue got her chance. Aidan O'Brien's filly duly made the most of her opportunity in Dundalk's second under Seamie Heffernan.
The Fastnet Rock filly was shedding her maiden tag here on attempt number sixteen, and she was one of a number with chances when they fanned out across the track two furlongs out.
However not many could raise their game from the furlong pole and in the end 9/1 chance Sea Of Blue saw off Zorba The Greek by two lengths. They left Danequest three and a half lengths back in third. Gold Not Silver the gamble of the contest, into 4/1 joint favouritism, could manage no better than sixth.
Joseph O'Brien, representing his father, said: "She ran well here a few times and has had a little break. She is what she is but it's nice to get a win as she has a good pedigree.
"She will probably be covered this year, and it would be great if she could win again."
W.M. Lordan, rider of Honor Oak trained by T.Hogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly left in the straight.
(AM & EM)
