Secret Sea and Billy Lee© Photo Healy Racing
Secret Sea reverted to the Flat with great aplomb to take division one of the GAIN The Advantage Series Handicap at Ballinrobe.
The daughter of Sea The Stars joined Eoin Doyle from John Oxx after changing hands for just 8,500 guineas last autumn and was sent hurdling by current connections this spring.
She was just denied in a maiden hurdle at Wexford earlier this month and the switch back to the Flat here did the trick.
The 8/1 chance made good headway on the outer approaching the straight leading early in the final furlong and kept on really well under Billy Lee to score by two and three quarter lengths. Misty Millie made a bold bid from the front and kept on for second, with Barometer a further length and a quarter back in third.
Doyle said, "We’re delighted as she was just touched off the last day over hurdles. She was a bit novicey and got caught in a little bit at the second last then, and today was her first run for me on the Flat.
“P J Colville of Newtown Anner (her previous owner) recommended her out of John Oxx’s as he said she was a good strong filly.
“The lads (Suir Syndicate) are headed for Galway with her now!”
(AM & EM)
