Roche judges it well on Pass

Kanes Pass continued a great few days for trainer Willie McCreery when claiming the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap at Listowel.

Leigh Roche tracked leader Empress Toorah throughout in the mile contest and launched his challenge in the straight.

The 6/1 shot got ahead of the front-runner at the furlong pole and kept on well in the closing stages to post a half length victory. 7/2 favourite She's No Joke was a length-and-a-quarter back in third.

It was a third win of the season for Kanes Pass and McCreery said: “She's a hardy little filly, very honest, and gives everything every time.

“Fair play to Leigh as he had his homework done. He said to me that Pat will go on and I'll just sit on his girth. A lot of the horses here have been winning from the front or near the pace and that's the place to be.

“I'm delighted for the owners Pat and Betty Cosgrove, who have been with me from the very start. They bred her as well so it's great.”

Roche added: “She has made the running and won before but the last couple of times I've won her her we've took our time and dropped in.

“Around here it's hard to come from behind. I knew Pat was going to make the running and when he's in front he goes fast enough so I didn't want to get left behind.

“We had a nice draw so popped out and sat on Pat's boot. It worked out well as we got a nice lead into the race.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)