Lewis off the mark dropped in class

Shu Lewis made the most of the big drop in class to open her Flat account in the mile-and-a-half maiden at Gowran Park.

Monica Dowdall Blake's charge had emerged with plenty of credit when tried at the highest level last time, beaten under five lengths when seventh in the Irish St Leger.

It proved a much easier task today and she was backed from 2/1 into 6/4 favourite to get the job done.

Shane Gorey produced his mount to challenge in the straight and she powered clear inside the final furlong to record a comprehensive four-and-a-quarter length success over 20/1 shot Clara Bel.

The winner had landed three bumpers last year and has also been placed in a couple of Flat contests before her run at the Curragh.

"She's a class mare and very laid back," said Dowdall Blake afterwards.

"I was actually a bit disappointed with the run in the St Leger. There was no pace in the race and we probably should have made our own running."

A jumps campaign for the winner looks very unlikely with the trainer adding:-

"She's being kept for breeding and there's not enough cotton wool in the world for us to wrap her in.

"All going well the Cesarewitch (Curragh Sunday October 14th) is now the plan."

There was a running and riding enquiry into the third-placed horse Nurse Ryan who appeared to be tenderly handled.

She was found to be coughing post race, however, so no action was taken.

(On course reporting by Alan Magee)