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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- French looks smart on debut
Gary Carson
French looks smart on debut
Willie McCreery
© Photo Healy Racing
French Blue pulled away in good style to make an impressive debut in the fillies maiden at Dundalk.
The seven-furlong contest was won by Oaks heroine Qualify last season and may have produced another smart sort in the Willie McCreery-trained Godolphin filly.
Billy Lee produced the daughter of Iffraaj to challenge on the outer passing the two furlong pole and she hit the front over a furlong out.
The 5/1 shot powered clear inside the final furlong to beat 7/4 favourite Way To My Heart by four-and-a-quarter lengths.
"She's a little bit leery at home so we stuck a hood on. She's a grand filly but is just very green at home," said McCreery.
"With the way the ground has been I hadn't the chance to get her away from home and was a bit worried about that but Billy gave her a lovely kind ride.
"She's a little bit hot at home and the lads have done a good job with her. I'm delighted.
"Billy thought she'd stay a mile and she really quickened away from them there."