A RETURN to Group 1 level is on the cards for Vespertilio after Willie McCreery’s filly returned to winning ways in the Listed Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes. A Group 2 winner and runner-up in the Moyglare Stud Stakes as a juvenile, the Al Shira’aa Racing-owned bay returned at three to take third in the French 1000 Guineas but disappointed later in the season.

Dropping back to six furlongs this term saw her finish second at listed level and a close fourth in the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes, which saw her sent off 2/1 favourite under Dylan Browne McMonagle on Sunday. Settled towards the back of the stands’ side group, while King Cuan raced alone on the far side, Vespertilio was pushed along passing the two furlong pole and switched right to challenge between horses a furlong later.

Pushed out to the line, she kept on to score by a short head, while My Mate Alfie (3/1) showed a return to form in second. King Cuan did well considering he raced along from stall one, finished another length and a quarter back in third.

“She needs cover and lots of speed,” McCreery reported. “Dylan was very patient and said when she hit the front, she thought she had everything done and pulled herself up.

“I’m delighted to get her back in the winners’ enclosure. She won a Group 2 as a two-year-old and was third in a French Guineas. It was hard to persuade the owners to bring her back to six furlongs as she had such good form over a mile, but it has paid off. Night Of Thunder puts loads of speed into them.”

The Maurice De Gheest could be next on the cards for Vespertilio, whose relation Skydance finished third in the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes the previous day for the same connections.