Well-supported Baladiya lives up to Weld's expectations

“She's a brave filly and she did what we hoped she might do,” said trainer Dermot Weld after Baladiya justified market confidence under Chris Hayes in the Eleanor & Lyndsey Comer Memorial Handicap at the Curragh.

Clipped into 4/1 from 11/2 on track Baladiya raced in the mid-division, and she didn't get a clear run over two furlongs out.

Making headway between horses and fifth a furlong out, Baladiya kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong to lead close home, beating Ice Cold In Alex (unlucky in running) by half a length.

Another 'finisher' was Beleaguerment a short head back in third.

“She'll go for another handicap. It was a very good ride from Chris Hayes to just get up on the line," further reflected Weld.

“That's her trip. Six or seven furlongs and I'd say seven is her optimum trip. She'll stay, for the moment, at that level.”

(GC & EM)