A Piece Of cake for Fitzgerald's improving stayer

A Piece Of Heaven (7/2) is a rapidly progressive stayer and the ex-bumper performer easily notched his third win on the Flat in the Women's Irish Network For Racing Lady Riders Handicap.

Trained by Barry Fitzgerald for Miss A V Brann, Michael Foley and Stephen Lanigan-O'Keeffe, the six-year-old made all to beat Whimsy by three and three quarter lengths. 

The success means that winning rider Aine O'Connor has lost her 3lb claim under National Hunt rules.

"That was perfect, it worked out the way we wanted it to work out,” said Fitzgerald. 

“He made the running, comfortably, in front and the ground was nice. The key to him is good ground. 

“It was a nice run before he goes to Ascot. He'll be entered in three different races there and that's the plan. There is a mile-and-six, a two-five and a two-four.

 “It's nice to go over with a chance, he's a good horse for it. He's rated 94 there and hopefully the handicapper is not too hard on him. 

“He'll improve a bit from it today, mentally as well as fitness. He definitely stays two miles and further so there are loads of options for him. 

“She had bother pulling him up as well, he hit the line well. 

“He's getting up to Listed or Group 3 level and I'm happy where we are with him at the moment, he's a good horse.”

Quotes from Gary Carson