Spring holds Steps for success

Flowers Of Spring held the late charge of Steps To Freedom to claim the conditions race at Fairyhouse.

Kevin Manning hit the front two furlongs from home on the Celtic Swing filly and she kicked clear before the furlong pole in the 1m2f contest. Steps To Freedom chased her down inside the final furlong but Andrew Oliver's charge was always just holding that rival and eventually got home by half-a-length. Sharestan was sent off 5/4 favourite after being backed at 2/1 this morning but cried enough over a furlong from home after disputing wiht the winner two furlongs out. He kept on the same pace for third.

"She did it well. I was a bit worried about the ground as her previous form was with a cut in the ground," said Oliver.

"I'll look towards the big premier handicaps with her and step her up in class. She could run in the Ladies Derby (at the Curragh) next Sunday depending on the ground."