Belle Et Bete does it with minimum of fuss

Those who took part on the plunge on Belle Et Bete were counting their winnings long before the end of the seven furlong auction race for two-year-olds in Roscommon.

The Ger Lyons-trained filly was the only previous winner in the field and she readily dealt with the 5lb penalty received for that success.

Initially she raced in third on the outer under Colin Keane. He then dropped her in a couple of lengths behind Enter The Priory and Cleano At the two pole Belle Et Bete made headway between horses to lead and she soon took a couple of lengths out of the pursuers.

Keane didn’t have to give her a hard time as she won by a length and a quarter at 4/7 from 11/10 in the morning.

Spriritual Man (16/1) was weak all day in the market on debut for David Wachman and Wayne Lordan. He did stay on well though to narrowly pip Great Dancer (33/1) for second. Great Dancer was slowly away and raced last of the eight runners. He saw his race out nicely to be placed third.

Ger Lyons was represented by his brother Shane Lyons and the assistant trainer said: “She’s a genuine filly and did it well. It was an opportunity that we couldn’t miss. Colin said she had plenty up her sleeve and was just idling in front.

“I think she won’t be too busy for the rest of the season. She can fill out and be a nice three-year-old.”

Belle Et Bete had won a maiden auction race at Down Royal in late July.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee