Hanalia won a Listed race at Naas before to Oaks sixth. © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Johnny Murtagh feels that his Irish Oaks sixth Hanalia can improve on that bare performance given her relative inexperience.
Having only made her debut at Gowran Park in May, the Aga Khan owned filly won her maiden at the second time of asking before winning a Listed race at Naas on her penultimate start.
Well backed throughout the morning for this step up to Group One company, the Sea The Stars filly ran a highly creditable race under Ben Coen.
Johnny Murtagh said: “She was a little bit keen. It looked like she was going to come home but she paid the penalty for being a bit keen early.
“We were happy with her, she was sixth and not beaten too far.
“We think she’s a good filly and she’s only had a few races, so hopefully she’ll improve again.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
