Miss Caruso and Ronan Whelan© Photo Healy Racing
Miss Caruso showed the benefit of a couple of outings on the polytrack last month when opening her account at the third attempt in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Dundalk.
The Ado McGuinness-trained filly was supported on track from 13/2 into 9/2 and struck the front on the favoured stands’ side early in the straight.
The daughter of Sioux Nation was driven right out inside the final furlong by Ronan Whelan, on his only mount of the evening, to hold the persistent challenge of evens favourite Curvature by half a length. Alazne was prominent throughout but could only keep on at one pace a further length and three quarters back in third.
Stephen Thorne, assistant to McGuinness, said, "We had a wide draw, but she obviously had more experience than most. She ended up a little bit wide and we probably got there plenty early with her, but she benefitted from the first two runs.
"She's a very smart filly, we feel. We like the filly a lot, she has plenty of size and will be better on turf as well. A good future ahead of her.
"The plan was to sit behind the favourite and follow the favourite through. She fought very gamely.
"I think a stiff seven or an easy mile like here will suit her."
McGuinness, who is away in Rome this weekend for Ireland's Six Nations rugby match with Italy, was recording his fourth winner at Dundalk this month.
Quotes by Michael Graham
