Rush Queen and Cian MacRedmond win for Shamrock Thoroughbreds and Ado McGuinness © Photo Healy Racing
Rush Queen kept on best under a strong ride from Cian MacRedmond to cause a mild upset in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Race at Naas.
Highly tried in a Group 3 at Leopardstown on her most recent start, the Ado McGuinness trained filly was sent off at 5/2 here, despite holding the joint highest official rating and having the valuable assistance of Cian MacRedmond's 5lb claim.
Market leader(4/5f), The Caribbean was sent straight to the front of the four runner field by Ryan Moore and looked to have matters in hand when quickening the pace to go a couple of lengths clear over two furlongs out.
It was at this point, that MacRedmond switched Rush Queen off the inner to come with a run down the centre of the track. Moving into second ahead of Launch at the furlong pole, the eventual winner threw down a strong challenge to The Caribbean before getting on top inside the last 50 yards.
“It's a bit of compensation (after Galway), it's forgotten about now after today,” said McGuinness.
“He gave her a great ride, I know it was a small field. I thought it was going to be tactical and I told him to sit behind Ryan and try and come with one blast with her.
“Aidan horse had blinkers one so we were saying that he mightn't be the most straightforward. That's exactly what he did and she quickened up really well and went away nicely.
“We might hunt a bit of black-type with her again and maybe even try and find something in England. She's for sale as well but if she's not sold we will hunt black-type.
“She's a very genuine filly and she's won a nice pot of money today so it's great.
“She's not slow, I've worked her with the listed filly at home (Tiger Belle) and there is not a whole pile between them. She travelled very well today.
“The two fillies came from Con Marnane, from the breeze-ups, and he has put us right with him. We've done really well with them.
“She's after growing as well, and strengthened up. They looked small starting off but they're not now.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
