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Mark Nunan
Champella goes one better at Down Royal
Champella (green and white)
© Photo Healy Racing
Second at 20/1 on her debut at Down Royal a month ago, 10/3 joint-favourite Champella went one better in the Bet With Carlin The Punters Darling (Pro/Am) Fillies Flat Race.
The Ross O'Sullivan-trained half-sister to two winners travelled smoothly down the hill to get into contention and led a furlong and a half out. She was driven out by Tom Harney to account for the eyecatching Love At Sea by a length. Ah Fuhgeddaboudit was a further half length back in third.
Harney said: "She does (have some ability) and, to fair to her, I wasn't as happy as I was the last day throughout the race. She didn't travel as sweet but there was a little bit more argy-bargy and I don't think she enjoyed it. She's not all that big.
"I gave her a few slaps down the shoulder turning into the straight and she really latched on to the bridle. I probably got there too soon.
"She did (have a lovely run here before) and we liked her. She was doing nice bits of work at home. It was encouraging that she could improve from it."
Quotes from Michael Graham