Aurifodina and Luke McAteer© Photo Healy Racing
Aurifodina added to a nursery win at Naas last month when again scoring over a mile in the Matt Bunn 40th Birthday Nursery Handicap at Leopardstown.
The Jim Bolger-trained filly, supported on track from 9/2 into 7/2, was under pressure early in the straight but her stamina really kicked in from the furlong pole.
She struck the front about 150 yards out and kept on well for Luke McAteer to ultimately win by a comfortable length and three-quarters from 2/1 favourite Tiymara Tea Olive kept on nicely inside the final furlong to be just a neck further away in third.
McAteer said, “I don't think the seven furlongs was the problem last time it was more the early gallop we went.
“Today she jumped very well, travelled lovely, and I always thought I was going to reel in the lead horse. She went a bit flat on the bend but I knew when I got straightened up she'd roll away again and she was a cosy winner at the end.
“Hopefully she can improve on into next year and progress again. I'd say she'll go on any ground but the slower it is it gives her more of a chance.”
Quotes by Gary Carson
