Junior Bee takes step up in trip in her stride Junior Bee ran right away from her rivals to decisively win the extended 2m6f handicap hurdle in Ballinrobe. The clear leader Kilashee was swallowed up after the third last as Getaway Katie headed the field. Junior Bee made good headway at the next and readily swept past Getaway Katie and It's Time Again rounding the bend before the last. She put in a swift, slick jump at the final obstacle which enabled her to increase the margin on It's Time Again and Final Orders. The six-year-old mare was ridden clear by Jordan Gainford at the furlong pole and powered in by six and a half lengths at 8/1. Final Orders was backed from 7/2 to 2/1 favourite but didn't trouble the winner in second. It's Time Again was another three parts of a length back in third at 9/1. This was an impressive step up in trip by Junior Bee. Trainer Mark Molloy said: "She stayed well tonight. The big challenge we've had with her all along is that she's just too keen and to get her to switch off. "That's why I ran her back quickly. Last week in Cork she was just too fresh everywhere and she never spat it out from the minute she arrived at the racecourse. She's genuine but just mad to get on with it. "The good gallop this evening meant Jordan could switch her off and she got into a lovely rhythm. He gave her a superb ride. "Maybe she should jump a fence, that's where I was going to go with her, but you keep trying to take these opportunities when they arise." Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
