Home-bred is Best for Mullins in Gowran opener

The Emmet Mullins-trained Thebestisyettobe proved very tough in front to land the spoils on her debut at Gowran Park this afternoon.

Leigh Roche soon bagged the lead on the Elzaam filly in the seven-furlong contest and she refused to relinquish that advantage in the closing stages. Karaoke pressed hard from two furlongs out but couldn't find a way past the 11/1 winner, who held on late on for a half length success.

The winner is also owned and bred by Mullins and is a half-sister to three winners, including seven-time scorer Ventura Flame.

Mullins said afterwards:- “She was third in a barrier trial at Dundalk. I was probably disappointed on the day but I think it was the quickest of the seven-furlong races and knowing Ronan (Whelan)’s weight she was probably giving the two colts who finished in front of her weight.

“She’s improved and we were very hopeful coming here today. She was doing everything right and is probably still a bit raw and green. Hopefully she can take another step forward.

“It wasn’t the plan but I told Leigh if there was no one to go on, you have a good draw in three and don’t give away your position. He was good on her and a homebred winner is important for me.

“It’s a great family - that’s the fourth runner and four winners. They are all multiple winners too so hopefully she can follow the line.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)