Flying Bay beats Vadali © Photo Healy Racing
Runner-up to Galway festival handicap winner Monasterboice on seasonal debut at Killarney last month, Flying Bay (15/2) went one better in the Bathshack Maiden under Ben Coen
Drawn wide, the Andrew Kinirons-trained gelding got to the front after a furlong and a half and made the rest of the running to see off Vadali by half a length.
After Hidden Land on Thursday, it was a second victory of race week for Kinirons.
He said of the Bennett Kelly Construction Ltd-owned chesnut: "The lads (owners) are great and have been patient with him. I thought he was a serious horse last year but he got the usual bad scopes and I ran him too fresh on his first run at the Curragh. He was just weak and the New Bays need time.
"I had him entered in the 2,000 Guineas last year so it is hard to give them time when they're working so well. We held back though as he is a big baby and got a good education in Killarney when he hit the line well and the form has worked out.
"I'd say there is a lot of improvement in him and Ben (Coen) was key to him as he had been riding work on him and didn't get to ride him in a race until the last day. We weren't afraid of the draw as it was better to have no interruptions and he has a high cruising speed.
"Thomas Bennett and a few other Offaly lads bred him and his father is actually currently in hospital in Galway; it is a pity he couldn't be here today but that will hopefully bring good luck to him. They are great owners and trusted me to give the horse time."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
