Gorica proves class act

Miss Gorica produced a terrific weight carrying performance to land the Navan Handicap for trainer Joanna Morgan.

Pat Smullen made all on the mare, who had to carry a welter burden of 10 stone 8lb in the sprint.

The six-year-old proved too hot to handle for her rivals, powering away in the closing stages to score by a length-and-three-quarters from He's Got Rhythm

"I was only running her because I thought she might need the run ahead of a Listed race at Cork next week. That was the plan. We came here because it's on our doorstep," said Morgan.

"I think she's in foal to Dylan Thomas. I might bring her to Ascot for the Wokingham. I think she has improved.

"When she was running over seven and a mile she was pulling so hard and choking herself.

"Her breathing is better over this trip as you can let her run and I think I'll keep her to five and six."

Pat Smullen was impressed with the way his mount picked up: "She could even be a bit quicker this year.

"She absolutely flew out of the gates and I was sitting expecting some of the lighter weights to come to me but when she hit the rising ground she picked up again."