The grey Who's Steph is ridden out by Colin Keane to beat Ship Of Dreams (wine)© Photo Healy Racing
The progressive Who's Steph made it three wins from four starts, as she took the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial in convincing style.
The Ger Lyons trained daughter of Zoffany won the Ballylinch Stud sponsored 1,000 Guineas Trial over the course last month, and she was since sold by Sean Jones to American owner George Strawbridge.
Sent off the 3/1 joint-favourite today, she raced mainly in second under Colin Keane, and was pushed along to challenge the front-running Ballet Shoes from two furlongs out.
The grey victor got to the front over a furlong from home, and she kept on well under pressure from there, going on to score by a length. Ship Of Dreams came through to take second under Wayne Lordan for Joseph O'Brien at 20/1, while Alghabrah (9/1) was another half a length back in third for Chris Hayes and Kevin Prendergast. Mary Tudor was the other joint-favourite and she finished a disappointing seventh.
The winner was completing a double on the day Lyons and Keane, who were earlier on the mark with Bucky Larson
Lyons said afterwards: "That was great. I've just spoken to Mr Strawbridge and he's over the moon. It's one thing doing these deals and getting big clients into the yard but ultimately you have to deliver.
"That was a big one for us as he's after entrusting me with the filly and believed what I told him I hoped she was.
"She is after winning on heavy ground and has won on good to firm ground which is important as if she is going to have a career in the States she has to handle ground like that. She was bought to go to America eventually but she will have a three-year-old career in Ireland.
"Our horses improve from their first run and we don't aim to gun them first time out. She's not ground dependent and she has a temperament.
"I'd say she will be supplemented for the Irish Guineas. There is no reason why we won't use today's prize-money for that."
Paddy Power go 8/1 about the Who's Steph for the Irish 1,000 Guineas, while Betfair go 10/1.
STEWARDS REPORTS
S. Foley, rider of Drombeg Dream trained by Augustine Leahy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hated the ground and didn't let herself down.
W.J. Lee, rider of Mary Tudor trained by W. McCreery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right in the straight.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
