Tocco makes it two from two in the Finale

After creating a big impression when winning on debut in April, Tocco d'Amore followed-up in style in the Listed Finale Stakes.

The daughter of Raven's Pass came in for plenty of market support, opening on-course at 9/4, before going off the clear 7/4 favourite under Pat Smullen.

Settled in mid-division, the Dermot Weld trained, Moyglare Stud Farm owned filly was switched wide early in the straight.

She was ridden to challenge over a furlong out, and stayed on best in the closing stages, going on to score by three lengths. Lagostovegas finished second at 5/2 under Declan McDonogh for Willie Mullins, while Mustajeer was a neck back in third for Colin Keane and Ger Lyons.

Weld said afterwards: "It's a very pleasing performance by her. She is a very valuable filly and I look forward to winning Group races with her next year.

"She would always appreciate an ease in the ground and would not want it firm. She is a smart filly.

"She had a setback fairly soon after her previous run and was off all through the summer. We just waited and patience paid dividends."

Smullen added: "There is no reason why she won't (go one next year). She was just a little bit immature but is back good now again.

"It was a good performance because she raced a little bit keen and fresh with through the run, and to have enough in reserve to go up and tackle that big mare (Lagostovegas) and put it to bed was a good performance.

"Lagostovegas is a very good mare and the one thing she was going to do was keep galloping to the line. So I was cautious to have one go at her rather than get into a sustained battle and thankfully it paid off.

"It was just frustrating to miss the summer with her but she is back on track now and she is a Stakes winner which is very important as well. We have a lot to look forward to in the next year with her."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee