Hollys Graces and Billy Lee win from Head To Head© Photo Healy Racing
Hollys Graces came with a strong run inside the final furlong to win stylishly on her official debut at Dundalk today.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained filly had been fourth in a barrier trial at Leopardstown late last month and put that experience to good use in the seven-furlong fillies maiden. Say Yes To Dreams and Head To Head duelled for most of the race but were trumped inside the final furlong as Hollys Graces came through to grab the lead.
The daughter of Australia stayed on strongly in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-half vicotry over Head To Head.
Winning rider Billy Lee said afterwards:- “I rode her in the barrier and really liked her that day. We didn't go quick then and it turned into a sprint up the straight. I thought for a filly that wants a trip that she gave me a nice feel.
“It was the same again today. She was a bit slow into her stride and I had to get after her a bit and let her know she was in a race. When she got up and travelling she travelled beautifully in my hands.
“She has a lovely long flowing stride and when she hit the straight and really opened up I knew I was always going to win from a furlong-and-a-half down.
“It was just a matter of biding my time to get there. She hit the line well and is just a lovely filly to go forward with.
“When I switched (at the top of the straight) the boys were coming out and the front two stayed up the middle of the track. When I switched back left I had something to aim at.
“It opened up nicely and she's done it nicely.”
