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Donal Murphy
Bonbon beats Sweetest in Cork opener
Bonbon is pushed out by Wayne Hassett
© Photo Healy Racing
Bonbon made the breakthrough on her third start, as she comfortably accounted for 12 rivals in the opener at Cork this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Sixth on debut over the course and distance in May, the Joseph O'Brien-trained bay since finished a solid fifth at Naas when tried in a first time tongue-strap.
Always towards the head of affairs in the centre of the track, the 8/1 chance was pushed along and gained a definite advantage over a furlong from home.
Soon ridden by Wayne Hassett, she increased her lead inside the final furlong and came home two-and-a-half lengths to the good for the Glamour and Glory Syndicate.
Returned an easy-to-back favourite at 15/8, Sweetest had no excuses in second, with Pansy Poe (12/1) a further neck away in third.
Sean Corby, representing O'Brien, said: "She had a nice run first time out here earlier in the year and at Naas the last day, seemed to hang on good ground. The ground today probably helped her a lot and she did it nicely.
"She jumped, travelled and seemed to be comfortable the whole way today. She is a fast filly and as she handled that ground well, you'd imagine she'll run again over the next few weeks."
STEWARDS REPORT
L.T. McAteer, rider of Dabirsim Flyer (FR), trained by F.Birrane, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly at halfway.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes