Happily and Ryan Moore © Photo Healy Racing
Happily looked a filly right out of the top drawer when streaking clear of her rivals in the closing stages of the Group 3 Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown this evening.
The strongly supported 8/11 favourite (11/10 this morning) tracked the leaders in the seven furlong contest before Ryan Moore moved closer two furlongs from home.
The full-sister to Gleneagles was asked to hit the front over a furlong from home and the further she went the better she got.
Aidan O'Brien 's charge found another gear inside the final 150 yards as she quickened up for a five-length success. Shalailah who had chased her home in a Curragh maiden last time out, once again filled the runner-up spot.
"She's lovely and came forward well again.You would have to be delighted with that, and Ryan is very happy with her,” said O'Brien.
"She could go for the Debutante next. I'd say Clemmie will go straight for the Moyglare, and September might go to the Debutante on the way (to the Moyglare).
"She picked them up very easily. Donnacha loved her the first day and the second time, and I'd say she has jumped again."
Paddy Power shortened the winner into 16/1 from 25/1 for next year's 1,000 Guineas.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
