4 from the right Startedwithakiss and Dylan Browne McMonagle break from stalls© Photo Healy Racing
The bulk of the money may have been for her fellow joint market-leader, Gibraltar but it was Startedwithakiss that got it done in the penultimate event this evening, the Leopardstown Apprentice Handicap.
Joseph O'Brien 's 5/2 shot followed up on a Roscommon win from 24 days ago. In the hands of Dylan Browne McMonagle, the successful Fastnet Rock filly, off the track at one stage in her career for 523 days, beat Arctic Blaze on this occasion by a comfortable length and three parts.
The aforementioned Gibraltar (11/2 into 5/2) meanwhile, could manage no better than 8th place.
Over from cross-channel Georgia Dobie steered Razdan into third for Chris Timmons.
"She missed nearly all of her three-year-old year I think, and we thought she was worth keeping this year," reflected O'Brien with regard to Startedwithakiss.
"She won the last day and she has won well today, so hopefully she can continue to progress. A little bit of juice in the ground was a help.
"It is maybe coming a bit soon (her entry in the Munster Oaks at Cork next week) but we'll see what the race looks like and keep our options open.
"We think she is a filly that will hopefully make her way to Stakes company."
S.T. McCullagh, rider of Takarengo trained by Thomas Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount slipped on the first bend.
A.C. Persse, rider of Meritorious (GB) trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount slipped on the first bend.
Georgia Dobie, rider of Razdan trained by Christopher David Timmons, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount was slowly away.
J.A. Powell, rider of Arctic Blaze trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran keen.
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
