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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Velocidad lands Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes in good style

Sun 27th Jun 2021, 14:33

Velocidad beating Yet (left) and CheerupsleepyjeanVelocidad beating Yet (left) and Cheerupsleepyjean
© Photo Healy Racing

Velocidad took the step up from an Auction Maiden at Fairyhouse to the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes in her stride with an impressive success at the Curragh.

The Gleneagles filly was supported into 85/40 (from 7/2) for this four-runner affair and, having raced quite keenly, was sent to the front about a furlong and a half out by Declan McDonogh.

She asserted inside the final furlong to beat the front-running Yet by two and a quarter lengths, while evens favourite Cheerupsleepyjean also took a keen hold in rear.

The market leader could make no impression inside the final furlong a further length and three quarters away in third.

Winning trainer Joseph O'Brien said, "She won nicely, Declan gave her a lovely ride and she's a good filly.

"She's always shown a lot of speed but it is a staying family. Today she looked quick and she's a Group 2 winner now so whatever happens from here on in is a bonus.

“I suppose the Cheveley Park would be the longer term target.”

Velocidad cost just 25,000 guineas last year in Book 1 of the Tattersalls Yearling Sale and O'Brien added, "Gleneagles probably wasn't very fashionable last year but he's a good stallion. Trade is very fashion orientated."

(GC & AM)

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.