"The best is yet to come" from Zhukova

Dermot Weld's Zhukova (5/2) got the better of 8/11 favourite Us Army Ranger to land the Group 3 KPMG Enterprise Stakes at Leopardstown.

Pat Smullen on the victorious Fastnet Rock filly, took over from the pace-setting Tree Of Knowledge over a furlong out.

They were soon gone beyond recall and though Us Army Ranger cut back the deficit well he was never going to bridge the gap and he was half a length down at the line.

There was also encouragement from Us Army Ranger's Ballydoyle stable companion, Bondi Beach staying on to be third, two lengths back.

"It was a good performance. It was her first run in four months," commented Weld.

"The plan is to give her one more run this year. The plan has always been the Group 1 Fillies and Mares on British Champions Weekend. I've had that in mind for her since April.

"She put in two lovely performances in the Blue Wind and Alleged Stakes, beating Found and then Bocca Baciata.

"She enjoyed her summer break and has come back to be what I expected her to be, a Group 1 filly before the end of the year.

"It's equally pleasing to have bred her with my late mother. She's out of Nightime who gave my mother a great day when winning the 1,000 Guineas.

"I'm more looking forward to next year and think she'll be a serious mare then. The best is yet to come."

Paddy Power go 5/2 favourite Zhukova, from 5/1, for the British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes.

E.J. McNamara, rider of Bondi Beach, trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was a little keen while racing in last place and he held onto him in a race run at a steady pace but stayed on well in the closing stages.

(GC & EM)