Tiger Belle (centre) is ridden out by Ronan Whelan to beat Jenni (right) and Ashwiyaa© Photo Healy Racing
The Adrian McGuinness-trained Tiger Belle landed a gamble on debut, as she just prevailed in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden.
A 70,000 pound purchase at the Goffs Breeze Up Sale last month, the Cotai Glory filly was available at 20s in early shows, but was return at just 6/1 in the colours of Shamrock Thoroughbreds.
Always towards the head of affairs under Ronan Whelan, the bay victor had a good tussle with Jenni from over a furlong out, with just a neck separating them at the line.
The runner-up, who disappointed on debut, was returned the 11/4 favourite under Billy Lee for Paddy Twomey, while newcomer Ashwiyaa (4/1) was just half a length back in third.
"We bought her at the breeze-ups off Con Marnane a few weeks ago, he said she was very fast and she is. She'll be Ascot bound now," said McGuinness.
"We worked her with a couple of good fast sprinters we have and she didn't disappoint us. She had been to the Curragh a couple of times.
"She's lightening out of the gates, very professional, she's a very fast filly.
"She stayed at it well and she's only going to improve. She's one of the fastest two-year-olds I've ever had.
"We'll definitely chance Ascot and she'll go to the Queen Mary.
"She looks cheap now, there are times you buy these at 70,000 pounds and they are dear. At the breeze-ups you can be lucky and unlucky. We do a lot of research at them.
"She's a real two-year-old and that's why we bought her, because we wanted something for the likes of Ascot.
"You don't buy big strapping horses when you are buying a two-year-old for Ascot, they are sharp types. That's what a lot of the breeze-up sales are about, if you want to race quickly.
"We have another one or two at home and they are nice. A bunch of them worked the other day and they aren't too bad."
STEWARDS REPORTS
S. Foley, rider of Glamorously trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost action from one and a half furlongs out.
D.P. McDonogh, rider of Moral Turpitude trained by Kieran P. Cotter, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right from two furlongs out.
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident approaching the final furlong involving Glamorously, ridden by S. Foley, unplaced, Byzantine Empress (GB), ridden by W.M. Lordan, unplaced, and Neo Smart ridden by R.P. Cleary, unplaced, where it appeared that Neo Smart ran on to heels. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
