Oxx filly proves too strong

The John Oxx trained newcomer Rubina (6/1) overturned 2/9 hot-pot Foot Soldier to win the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Leopardstown this evening.

Ridden by Johnny Murtagh, who looks set for a potentially profitable evening, the daughter of Invincible Spirit overcame a slow start before getting to the front over a furlong out for a comfortable win over the long odds-on ‘jolly’.

Afterwards Oxx stated “I though she might be very green as she hadn’t seen any grass gallops due to the recent dry spell. However, Invincible Spirit’s offspring don’t need much training and she showed a nice turn of foot, and plenty of speed.”

“We’ll look for a Listed race over six furlongs next and while there is one at The Curragh next Friday, it might come a bit too quick for her. She has a mix of speed and stamina in her pedigree and is sure to go seven furlongs.”

Thomas Weekes