Royal Ascot an option for Cigamia after workmanlike success

Cigamia put in a workmanlike performance as she justified 1/4 favouritism in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies Race.

Successful on debut at Naas last August, the Willie McCreery trained bay has since been holding her own in Group company, finishing second in the Athasi Stakes at the Curragh on her most recent start.

Expected to account for her two rivals this evening, the daughter of Karakontie led early before eventually settling in second under Billy Lee.

Ridden to challenge under two furlongs out, she edged to the front from the furlong pole and had to be kept up to her work in the closing stages to see off the sustained effort of Alizarine by three-parts of a length.

"She did that well and it’s been a nice race for me over the years," McCreery stated.

"Bumbasina won it three years ago, and her first offspring, by Siyouni, is unbeaten in Australia. Erysimum also won this and then went on to win a Listed race down here.

"Cigamia is a grand filly and the more experience she gets the better. I thought she travelled lovely but just didn't quicken in the ground.

"She's a lovely filly going forward, and we'll now look to Royal Ascot with her. The Niarchos family love to have runners there, and the Sandringham might suit her."

STEWARDS REPORT

S. Foley, rider of Alizarine (GB) trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount slowly away.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes