Deserved success for easy-to-back Bailly

The easy-to-back Bailly got a deserved third career win to her name as she took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.

Twice successful as a juvenile, the Ger Lyons trained bay had been knocking on the door of late and was placed on her last three starts.

As short as 2/1 in early shows, the daughter of Charm Spirit opened on-course at 7/2, before going off a 9/2 chance under Colin Keane.

Prominent throughout, she had a good tussle with Zodiacus from the two furlong pole, getting on top when ridden in the closing stages, going on to score by a length.

Zodiacus (10/1) had to settle for second under Niall McCullagh for Tom McCourt, while Dash D'or was another half a length back in third. Arabeska was returned the 13/8 favourite and she finished a disappointing sixth.

Lyons said: "She's been running consistently. I think she deserved that and it's a nice pot to win with her.

"They came out to her on the worn ground which I found strange. We rode to our draw (drawn 7) and I was worried the way the draw bias is here.

"She needs six (furlongs) and is very genuine. She's just caught a bit in-between as she's not quite up to black type level.

"She's learning and with sprinting practice makes perfect. She is allowing me to run her regularly and is taking her racing well."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Arabeska, trained by W. McCreery, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

W.J. Lee, rider of Arabeska trained by W. McCreery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled during this race.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee