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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Ocean Quest easily beats the colts

Sun 23rd Apr 2023, 06:39

Ocean Quest  Ocean Quest
© Photo Healy Racing

Ocean Quest (10/1) ran away with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Committed Stakes, scoring by six lengths under Shane Foley for in-form Jessica Harrington.

Just touched off in a Curragh Group 3 on her final start last term, she was a bit free early in the race on this seasonal debut but picked up well to lead over a furlong from home.

She soon stretched clear on the far rail to win easily from Aesop's Fables (7/2) with 4/5 favourite The Antarctic another three parts of a length back in third.

After more rain, the going description had been changed to heavy before this third race on the card.

Assistant trainer Kate Harrington said: "She was going to the Cheveley Park last year and she pulled a muscle the week before, so we put her away for the rest of the season.

"We knew she was good last year - she won the first two-year-old race of the season and we bided our time with her and let her strengthen up.

"Her owners have been rewarded with waiting with her, I thought she looked a picture in the paddock beforehand.

"She'll go to the Commonwealth Cup, that's what mum said on the phone! Obviously, mum will have a chat with the owners and everything, but it looks like the likely aim at the moment.

"The form of her Ballyhane run (in third at Naas) is top-notch."

Quotes from Michael Graham