Usra could be Listed race bound - back at Tipp A second winner of 2018 arrived for Ken Condon to go with Romanised's Irish 2,000 Guineas success when Usra (5/1) came out on top in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Maiden at Tipperary. With a first-time tongue-strap on and Romanised's jockey Shane Foley in the plate, the experienced Usra got the better of the well-backed favourite Backpfeifengesicht by two and a half lengths. The last-named had endeavoured to make all but he couldn't cope with the winner in the final hundred and fifty yards. "On her second last run she was entitled to a performance like that. It was probably my fault last time at Fairyhouse as we tried to make her experience count by riding her positively and it didn't work. She fell away quite tamely in the final furlong," said Condon. "Back in trip here and ridden more patiently seemed to suit her well. It's all speed in her pedigree, the track suited and the ground was perfect. "I'd say she could step up to six again ridden that way. She's 480 kilos so she's not like one of those early season two-year-olds that might fall away. "She has an entry in a five-furlong Listed race here next week but that may come a bit quick. We'll see how she comes out of this, although she has taken her races well." (AM & EM)
