Lordan needs to flex muscles on Sweet Molly Malone

Sweet Molly Malone (10/3) was on and off the bridle in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap but was at her strongest in the final furlong as she scored on handicap debut.

The superbly-bred daughter of American Pharaoh was last turning in but stayed on well to defeat Flagged (9/2) by a length and a half.

Stepping up in trip after three runs over seven furlongs, the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly defied a mark of 78 and winning rider Wayne Lordan was pleased with her.

“We went a very strong gallop and I didn't travel great but through the middle of it I started to travel," said Lordan.

“When I got her out, and got a bit of racing room, she ran to the line. She showed a little bit of rawness still but I thought she won well at the line.

“The step up in trip from the last day was a plus and she loves that nice ground. She'll be a nice filly and she'll stay further as well.”

Quotes from Gary Carson