Skitter too good for Silver Flash rivals

Skitter Scatter upstaged her better fancied rivals to take the Group 3 Jockey Club Of Turkey Silver Flash Stakes.

Beaten by just half a length in the Grangecon Stud Stakes at the Curragh earlier this month, the Patrick Prendergast trained daughter of Scat Daddy was sent off at 10/1 this evening (touched 12s on-course).

Having led briefly in the early stages, the bay victor was soon settled in second by Ronan Whelan, as the 1/2 favourite Goddess attempted to make all.

The market leader faded tamely once headed from two furlongs out, and she eventually finished a very disappointing last under Ryan Moore for Aidan O'Brien.

Skitter Scatter took over in front at the two pole, and she ridden clear over a furlong out, keeping on well from there to score by a length and a half in the colours of Anthony & Sonia Rogers. Moravia (7/1) finished second under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons, while Secret Thoughts was another length and a quarter back in third.

"They say you should never avoid one! Obviously I was very worried taking on Goddess but I was very keen to try her over seven furlongs," said Prendergast.

"In her homework I've lesser horses that might take her off the bridle but she's quite relentless and she's full of heart.

"As I said the last day you'd be very proud of her. As for plans we don't want to over-race her now because she keeps improving.

"She's in the Debutante, she's in the Moyglare and Ronan reckons a mile won't be a problem so we might have a filly for the Guineas trials next year. But with a wet spring who knows.

"It's a great day. If you told me this morning I had a winner today I thought I was going to the win the claimer. I was sulking after the claimer but God I feel good now."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Goddess (USA), trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson