Vera's Secret and Nathan Crosse pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
In a first time hood, the Johnny Feane-trained Vera's Secret readily accounted for 18 rivals in the ninth and concluding contest at Leopardstown, the HKJC World Pool Autumn Fillies Handicap.
An impressive winner on her handicap debut at the Curragh in July, the Epaulette five-year-old since failed to make an impact when thirteenth in the Cambridgeshire on her most recent start.
Sent off a 10/1 chance today, the Jim Browne-owned bay made all under Nathan Crosse and skipped a few lengths clear early in the straight.
Ridden with a furlong and a half to go, she kept up the gallop in the closing stages and was three-and-three-quarters of a length clear at the line.
The Gavin Cromwell-trained Snellen (11/1) was best of the rest under Gary Carroll, with Serialise (22/1) and Sumptuary Law (22/1) in third and fourth respectively.
Ger Lyons was responsible for the latter and he also saddled 3/1 favourite Quadruple with this one finishing a disappointing sixteenth.
"She won well. She relaxed and Nathan gave her a beautiful ride," Feane commented.
"She's very talented and she just did things right today.
"She was going quick enough, she was doing 12.15s and 12.07s which is a nice pace around here. They left her alone in front.
"She has a lovely big action and her forte is her cruising speed. She put that to good use today and she quickened up well off the bend. She's a good mare.
"She ran well last time at the Curragh but this was fillies only and the Cambridgeshire was a bit more competitive. She can do no more than win. She maybe just set it up for the rest of them last time.
"She did it well today in against her own sex."
When asked if she could be a stakes filly in time he added: "I'd hope so, the handicapper will probably have his way with her again so we'll see."
STEWARDS REPORT
H.J. Horgan, rider of Karsavina (GB), trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran up on heels shortly after the start.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Quadruple (GB), trained by G.M.Lyons, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
