Soprano generates further joy for connections

Midnight Soprano (7s into 5s on track) returned to the fray for the first time since October to attain a career high-point by landing the Group 3 Cork Racecourse Mallow Noblesse Stakes.

Five pound claimer Marc Monaghan (grandson of the winning owner/breeder, Jim and his first winner of the season in Ireland) was unable to use that allowance here and of course he'd advertised his skills earlier in the year to a wider audience at Meydan.

In this mile and a half Cork feature, Monaghan had to 'get after' Midnight Soprano five furlongs from home. She closed two furlongs out and kept on well to lead close home. The margins at the line were a head and a short head back to the second and third, Magical Dream and Cubanita We'll Go Walking gave herself no chance doing too much in front and she eventually faded to come home in sixth place.

Paul Deegan trains Midnight Soprano and he divulged: "She did better over this winter than any before. Jim (Monaghan, winning owner) done a great job with her. She's a lot stronger now.

"Jim is very patient and he's a great stock man.

"The plan this year was to win a Group 3.

"We'll look at the Curragh Cup now and hopefully she'll finish up in the Irish St Leger.

"She was off the bridle early enough today but Marc gave her a lovely ride and he's a very level-headed lad.

"A mile and a half to a mile and six is her trip and I'd say this will probably be her last season." (AM & EM)