Serenade strikes again

Penny Serenade recorded back-to-back victories when powering clear in the closing stages of the six-furlong handicap at Naas this evening.

Niall McCullagh gave the Lawman filly a confident ride as she tracked Ucanchoose who disputed the lead in the centre of the course.

Eddie Lynam 's charge hit the front at the furlong pole and stretched away in the closing stages to post a three-length success over the Ucanchoose.

The runner-up was sent off 5/1 joint favourite with the third placed South Ring while the winner was returned 6/1 having opened 11/2.

Penny Serenade was adding to her victory at Limerick last month when she had gotten up late for a narrow success.

“That was the first horse my daughter Sarah bought as a yearling so we'll have to get her to buy all the yearlings now,” quipped Lynam.

“She's done it well. I thought as least two should have beaten her the last day and I'm not sure where she's got the improvement from but she bounced off the ground. It's beautiful good to firm ground.”

The winner had scored on soft ground the last day and had no problem with the quicker conditions here.

McCullagh added:- "She's very versatile. She's a great mover and hardly bends her knee so the ground was never going to be an issue.

"The tongue-strap has really helped her and the better ground helped. I was lucky being drawn 14 as Declan (McDonogh) on Ucanchoose made it a strong gallop and dragged me along.

"It couldn't have worked out better. She quickened up well and won nicely. Hopefully the handicapper doesn't get too excited. She could go up to the next grade and looks an improver."

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)