Anamba hits the front in Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
There was a good word for Mick Halford's Anamba before the seven furlong fillies' maiden at Leopardstown that got Irish Champions Weekend under way and she delivered at 12/1 for her supporters.
The Godolphin newcomer was backed from 16/1 to 10/1 this morning.
She broke smartly from stall one under Shane Foley before conceding the lead to Red Stars after two furlongs.
With less than three furlongs to race, Anamba tracked Red Stars and Siamsaiocht in third with Aidan O'Brien's 8/11 favourite Coolmore not far behind in fourth.
Anamba made her move into second as the race unfolded at the two pole. She collared Red Stars with over a furlong to race but Coolmore was getting into stride on the outside and improved to second with 200 yards left.
Foley got into the drive position and Anamaba kept finding for him. Coolmore and Joseph O'Brien cut into the lead all the way to the line but couldn't quite get on terms and lost by a head.
Siamsaoicht (12/1) was a length further away in third for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning.
"We've always liked her and she has a bit of class about her," Mick Halford said.
"She's a beautiful mover and Shane said she would prefer better ground. She was very green there.
"We took her to the Curragh two weeks ago after racing and gave her a canter on soft ground but she wouldn't have been in love with it.
"We also took her away during the week to give her a breeze and she's never been off the bridle at home.
"Everything comes naturally to her and she's exciting. She's a beautiful filly and there was always something about her.
"Shane gave her a good ride. She travelled well and just got there a bit soon but it was the way the race unfolded. There is plenty more to come.
"She'll get a mile easy and might get further but she's not slow. She did it well as she got tired in that ground and it's the first time she's been off the bridle."
Boylesports left her and Coolmore unchanged at 25/1 for the Oaks. Anamba was introduced at 16/1 for the 1,000 Guineas.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
