Usdi Atohi (far side) beating California Dreamer© Photo Healy Racing
Usdi Atohi showed good speed throughout to make a successful debut in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Dundalk.
The Donnacha O’Brien-trained daughter of Ten Sovereigns, a full-sister to Asean who won a Listed race for the yard last year, was joined by the odds-on favourite California Dreamer early in the straight.
The pair fought out a protracted battle with the Gavin Ryan-ridden 7/2 chance, available at 8/1 this morning, just getting the better of the argument by a head. Cradle Of Love kept on well just a length further back in third.
Ryan said, "I was very happy with her. She jumped smart and had to do all the donkey work herself,” said Ryan.
“There is a strong headwind up the straight but she showed a real good willing attitude. She's tough, hardy and a very fast filly.
“When you turn into the straight the headwind is very strong and she's had to do all the hard work herself.
“It's daunting, it's a long way up the straight and there is plenty for them to look at first time out and the headwind is just adding to that.”
Quotes by Gary Carson
