Donal Murphy
Gentil comes from last to first under Lordan
Gentil J and Wayne Lordan (nearest) get the better of Intense Focus and Daniel Redmond
© Photo Healy Racing
Gentil J (5/1) followed-up on her win at Listowel last month, as she came from last to first in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.
The Harry Rogers trained Jeremy bay was settled in rear by Wayne Lordan, making good progress through the field from the three furlong pole.
She came with her effort on the outer with two furlongs to go, and was ridden to the front inside the final furlong, going on to see off the persistent challenge of Intense Focus by half a length.
The runner-up was the subject of a gamble. The Jim Bolger trained bay was 25/1 last night, opening on-course at just 8's, before going off a 13/2 chance under Daniel Redmond. Bobby Jean was sent off the 11/4 favourite (from 4's), and she finished a further three and a half lengths back in third under Rory Cleary for Tara Cogan.
Harry Rogers said afterwards: "I thought she might have got there a bit soon but she was tough and stayed at it well. She's in at Navan next Wednesday and I'll see how she is but she loves that ground."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes