Luna Forest impresses at Bellewstown

Luna Forest (6/1) and Ronan Whelan showed their rivals the best way home as they hacked up by four and three quarter lengths in the mile maiden for three-year-olds at Bellewstown.

The daughter of Holy Roman Emperor, trained by Tracey Collins, overcame the widest draw and was stepping up on her 10th of 15 in a Curragh maiden first-time out.

Unraced Dragon Fei stayed on nicely for second at 20/1 in the hands of Ian Brennan for Dermot McLoughlin. 10/1 shot Formulate completed the placings.

Trainer Tracey Collins said: “She did it well and Ronan gave her a great ride from where they were drawn.

“She’s come on considerably from her first run. Full credit to Bellewstown, they have produced the ground in great condition.

“We’ll see how she comes out of today. She needs good perfect ground.”

The 3/1 favourite, Conversational unshipped Shane Foley in the stalls and burst through the front of them before being withdrawn. She had attracted support from 5/1 this morning.

In the new market Banker Burke was the 5/2 favourite, but he could only manage 11th after being headed three furlongs out.

This led to a 25 cent Rule 4 to board prices prior to the withdrawal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee