Zarkareva impresses in Sligo opener

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Zarkareva got off the mark over fences in impressive fashion when claiming the opener at Sligo this afternoon. Heaven Help Us went to post the 8/11 favourite in the two-mile-two contest but didn't jump with any fluency on her chase debut and was well held in second. Bonarc cut out the running but was claimed by Zarkareva after the second last, a fence where Heaven Help Us was untidy.

The Robcour-owned filly asserted entering the straight and Robbie Power didn't have to ask the 7/2 shot (7/1 in morning) any questions as she cruised to a 16 length success.

Zarkareva had been well held when a faller on her chase debut at Tipperary in July.

Power said afterwards:- “That was impressive. I think the first-time tongue-tie has made a big difference.

“She’s a filly that just might have been holding her breath a little, and running on her nerves.

“The strong gallop today suited her. She settled into a rhythm and she jumped so well. The further she went the better she jumped.”

(Quotes by Mark Nunan)