Santa Barbara could be a star after smooth debut win

Held up mid-division, Santa Barbara (9/2) got a lovely smooth passage up the far rail to lead a furlong out in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden and she was pushed out for a two and half length success from Kailash (10/1).

The 3/1 favourite Belmont Dream finished seventh.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained winner is a half-sister to Joseph O’Brien’s four-time Group 1 winner, and last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf heroine, Iridessa.

She holds an entry in the bet365 Group 1 Fillies’ Mile (10/1 from 66/1 with Betfair) at Newmarket in just under a fortnight.

Betfair also gave the winner a 33/1 quote for next year’s 1,000 Guineas, and Paddy Power introduced her at 25/1 for the Oaks.

O'Brien said, “She’s a big powerful filly with loads of class. She was just ready to go racing. She travelled very well through the race.

“There is a good chance she won’t run again this year. We just needed to get a run into her and she’s going to be lovely for next year.”

Winning rider Seamie Heffernan said: “I’ve won on two of that family (Iridessa and Order Of Australia) and I’d say she could be the best. I’d rate her highly.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee