Ravello Again (left) keeps on best to beat Conversational © Photo Healy Racing
The Patrick Prendergast trained Ravello Again got the better of Conversational to land the Sean Rothwell Construction 3yo Maiden.
Ridden by Declan McDonogh, the daughter of Lawman came in for plenty of market support. She was 10/1 in a place this morning, before the likely favourite Tax Reform came out, opening on-course at 7/2 before going off the 5/2 favourite.
Owned by Ballylinch Stud, the bay filly was having her sixth career start this evening, and her second on the turf.
She ran well on her handicap debut at Galway on her last outing, finishing just under four lengths seventh to Target Acquired.
Having tracked the leaders in the early stages, the Andy Oliver trained Conversational (3/1) hit the front two furlongs out, and the winner quickly went in pursuit soon.
After a brief dual Ravello Again hit the front inside the final furlong, keeping on best from there to score by three parts of a length.
Conversational had to settle for second under Chris Hayes, while Why Me finished seven lengths back in third under Gary Carroll for John McConnell at 5/1.
Patrick Prendergast said afterwards: "I think she should have won in Galway. She got knocked over and she was nearly on the floor but she finished out the race strongly.
"I fancied her today but I was a bit worried that it might be a bit quick for her. Bellewstown did a hell of job, it’s lovely safe ground.
"My one tries hard and it is lovely to have a winner for Ballylinch Stud.
"I think there could be a little handicap in her. Being a filly it is important to get that winning bracket. Ballylinch Stud have been very patient."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
