Fizzy Friday (Conor Hoban) beats Alfredo Arcano© Photo Healy Racing
The Horse First Supplements Race was expected by many to boil down to a match between Fizzy Friday (well-backed 11/10 favourite) and Alfredo Arcano The former landed the spoils after an exciting battle at Dundalk.
Original market-leader Alfredo Arcano (11/8) put it up to the front-running Fizzy Friday (Conor Hoban up) through the final couple of furlongs. The successful Royal Applause filly just wouldn't yield though, and she still had a neck 'up her sleeve' at the line.
There were six and a half lengths back to Roman Wells in third.
Winning trainer Andy Oliver explained: "She had a month off after her last win because there was nothing else for her, so she is only back cantering about five weeks and had one proper bit of work.
"I was afraid of fitness and Conor said she blew up near the line. She is really game and tough, and touch wood there is plenty of improvement. She wandered about a bit with inexperience.
"There is another race like this in March, and then there is a Listed race and/or Guineas Trial. They would be our stepping stones.
"She has a great attitude, she just loves it and is thriving. We thought that she had improved but my one concern was that she was completely off over Christmas and has really only had one piece of work. I thought fitness would catch her, and all things considered I was very pleased with that performance."
The Stewards received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer prior to this race that Roman Wells, trained by M. Halford was a gelding rather than a colt. The Stewards therefore imposed a fine of €130 for a breach of Rule 148 (vi).
(AM & EM)
