Soffia and Declan McDonogh account for Final Venture and Leigh Roche© Photo Healy Racing
There was an appropriate winner of the Listed Sole Power Sprint Stakes at Naas as Eddie Lynam’s Soffia (7/2 into 3/1 co-favourite) justified good market-support under Declan McDonogh.
The star sprinter celebrated in the race title was of course also trained by Lynam, and the Garrettstown House-based handler has care of the Kyllachy filly Soffia for Lady O’Reilly.
She built on a course and distance second placing from April 29th, on this quicker surface, accounting for British-raider Final Venture (another of the 3/1 co-favourites) by a length and a half.
Julia’s Magic (20/1) secured valuable black-type, a length and three parts back in third.
“It’s nice to win a few quid of your own back as I sponsored the race with Sabina (Power, owner of Sole Power). She’s by the same sire as Sole Power as well, and has been running very well," said Lynam.
“Declan was very confident before the race, and he’s usually like me, a bit negative. He thinks she’s getting quicker, and a fast run five suits her.
“I have her entered for the Ballyogan (June 7) and I’d love to go for it as it’s fillies only and she’s pretty good up the Curragh. I’ll talk to Lady O’Reilly and see where we want to go.
“She was my daughter Amy’s first pin-hook. She bought her as a foal for 16 grand, and I had to give her 52 grand as a yearling but she’s turned out cheap.”
The Stewards received a report from Ms Colleen Murphy, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that R.L. Moore, rider of Gossamer Wings (USA), had weighed in at 1.1 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and from Ms. Murphy. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that R.L. Moore was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his record, they cautioned him on this occasion.
(AM & EM)
