Zola Sakura repels all challengers under Keane

Zola Sakura was a game winner of the Thomastown Maiden (Div I) for Colin Keane.

The Kodiac filly, stepping up in trip having been fourth over a mile at Cork last month, broke smartly and set out to make all the running.

Plenty of rivals came to have a go at her in the straight but, one by one, were fended off.

Gehiras (5/1) was the last to make a bid and he kept on well inside the final furlong but was held by a neck at the line.

Dual champion Keane is already well clear in the jockeys’ table and this was winner number 45 of the campaign.

Shane Lyons, assistant to winning trainer Ger Lyons, said: "She has improved mentally this season, it has taken her time.

“She's a very nice filly and got that trip lovely, stepping up today. She loved the ground and she battled for Colin.

“There should be improvement to come with time, mentally as well. It just took her from two to three to winter well and she's done that.

“It's job done as she has a nice page and we'll see what there is now and see how she improves.

“She's rated 72 and I think she's a handicapper at the minute anyway so we'll go with that.”

Quotes from Gary Carson