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Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Dazzling Spirit back in a starring role
Dazzling Spirit approaches the line
© Photo Healy Racing
Dazzling Spirit put a below-par run in the Curragh behind her when making the best way home in the second split of the extended mile handicap.
She was drawn in 14 and had to race wide, however, she made progress under Jamie Powell with over a quarter of a mile to travel. The four-year-old filly was ridden for more approaching the final furlong and made good headway to lead racing into the final furlong, despite edging left.
She soon opened up a gap on the pursuers and won by a cosy three parts of a length at 8/1. Newgirlintown 4/1jf, kept on well to be nearest at the finish in second with the other 4/1jf, Drish Melody in third.
"She can be slowly away sometimes, so we wanted to get her out and into the race, and I kept her out in the fresh ground to get a clear run," Powell said.
"She picked up, was still green when she hit the front but stayed at it. She edged to the left when she hit the front, but it was out of greenness.
"She is a hot filly and you have to keep a lid on her and things got to her the last day at the Curragh when she got wound up. Myself and Tom (Mullins, trainer) put a line through it and came here with confidence."
Dazzling Spirit won on her penultimate start over an extended nine furlongs at Clonmel at the start of September.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes