Michael Graham
Feane off the mark this season with Ano Syra
Ano Syra collars the grey Little Queenie
© Photo Healy Racing
Ano Syra and Kevin Manning swept through to win the extended five furlong handicap for horses rated up to 85 in Naas. Little Queenie adopted her customary front-running tactics and had the field hard at work as she poached a lead of a few lengths a furlong and a half from home.
She was still clear inside the final furlong, however, the stiff finish took its toll in the final 100 yards. Ano Syra came home best of all to claim her in the final 50 yards. She went on by a length and quarter from Jupiter Express (33/1) who got up for second by a neck from the weakening Little Queenie (7/1).
“We were a little bit worried about the draw after seeing the first two races but we thought she had a nice mark," trainer Johnny Feane said.
“She’s progressed from Dundalk and looks a million dollars today.
“She’s lazy and has a great attitude. I’m off the mark for the grass season.
“She may come back here for a 40 grand handicap on May 7.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee