White Caviar has them beaten close home© Photo Healy Racing
White Caviar justified favouritism in the final Flat race of the year at Gowran Park, the extended mile and three handicap.
Joseph O'Brien 's charge was making her handicap debut after winning a maiden at Listowel.
She was one of four horses who separated themselves from the field with a furlong to travel, and she soon stayed on to lead before scoring by two and a quarter lengths at 5/2 having drifted out from 6/4. Active Duty (40/1) could give no more in second once headed. He finished a length and a half in front of third-placed Darraby (16/1).
Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: “That was good. I thought she did it well.
“Declan (McDonogh) said he wanted to be forward on her, but they went a good gallop. He said even around here it just feels too sharp for her and everything is happening too quick.
“She's tough, she loves the ground. She's still a big, weak filly and next year she could be a good filly, there is definitely black-type in her along the line.
“She can only improve, it was the fourth run of her life. She's getting better.
“She changed legs about a half furlong out and you'd think she might be getting tired, but every time you ask her, she is genuine. She's like her brother (Galileo Chrome).
“I can't see there being much left for her this year. I'd say if she strengthens up next year she could be a decent filly.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
