Bigbadandbeautiful takes switch to Flat in her stride

Gordon Elliott's Bigbadandbeautiful a winner of two Listed bumpers, proved strongest at the business end of the concluding Athleague Maiden in Roscommon.

The 11/8 favourite was easy to back for this first assignment on the Flat, over an extended mile and a quarter, as the money came for Roving Mission

She was ridden by Declan McDonogh to get the better of Noble Music in the final 150 yards and forged on well.

The Big Bad Bob mare won going away by a length and a quarter from the 10/1 runner-up. The gambled-on Roving Mission (14/1 - 5/1) completed the placings in third, beaten just under three lengths by the winner.

Assistant trainer Ian Amond said: “Declan was happy with her and said when she goes a mile and a half or further she’ll be a different mare which we knew.

“He thought she was in trouble for a bit but her class got her through over that trip. She’s one to look forward to for the summer.

“Jamie (Codd) always said when he rode her in bumpers that she would be a nice mare to go on the Flat with. She’ll definitely step up in trip as that would be the bare minimum for her.”

Bigbadandbeautiful is now four from seven with her three other victories all coming in bumpers.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee