Oliver's outsider turns heads on second start

There were plenty of green juveniles ahead of the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden and the stalls handlers really earned their corn, but once the gates opened Orchidaceae was most professional as she sprang a 50/1 surprise.

Well beaten at Naas when sent off at the same price for last month's debut, the daughter of Churchill bounced out and made all under Andy Slattery.

Owned by Team Valor International in partnership with trainer Andy Oliver, the winner had a length and a-half to spare over No Such Thing  

Slattery said:- “It was a super performance, she improved a lot from the first run and she was professional in front.

“It's a lonely place up there but nothing seemed to get near me and she's kept going the whole way. She gave me quite a job to pull up after the line.

“When they hit the line that well it's a sign that there is more to come.

“I spoke to Andy on the way down and in fairness to him he told me he liked her. He thought maybe if she got a bit of cover she might come home the way she has been doing at home.

“I'd have no problem going another furlong (with her) at the minute. She was good there and we'll see how she comes out of it.

“It's great to get a winner for Team Valor and Mr Barry Irwin. It's a good day.”

Quotes from Gary Carson