IN a remarkably similar finish to their clash over course and distance in April, Rion Rubette (13/2) got up close home to deny 2/1 favourite Greydreambeliever in Gowran Park’s featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap over seven furlongs.

As she had done in that April race, Joseph O’Brien’s grey tried to make all but Rion Rubette, owned by the Bredwinner Syndicate, had picked up a good head of steam from well back under Paddy Harnett and led in the final stride for a short-head victory.

Trainer Michael Butler, who went on to complete a notable double when Wipeawayyourtears struck at Fairyhouse, said: “She seems to really be getting a liking for Gowran. It’s not that far away from us, and she’s tricky enough when travelling, so I’d say that’s a big help to her.

“She is entered on Derby weekend in the fillies’ handicap on the Saturday.”

Filly of note

Seventh on last month’s debut at Leopardstown, Saga Gaga (14/1) took a big step forward to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden over nine and a half furlongs.

Always handy under Jamie Powell, the Lucky Vega filly led from two furlongs out and held on by half a length from Vanir.

Trainer Michael O’Callagahan reflected: “She wasn’t in training at all as a two-year-old because she needed time, and she was still plenty green today.

“She’s a filly that I can see maybe getting a mile and a half. Danny Leane (Blackbox Bloodstock Limited) bred her and it’s his first winner, so it’s a great day for him.”

JOSEPH O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle teamed up for a double with a pair of odds-on shots, with Folsom Blues (4/9 favourite) making all to easily win the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

Third over six furlongs on debut at the Curragh, Al Shira’aa Racing’s homebred stepped up to seven furlongs on his second start and stretched clear to beat Lunar Empress by seven and a half lengths.

“He was an eyecatcher the first day and we were happy that he was ready to go to seven,” said O’Brien. “I thought he was impressive and I think he’s a smart colt. I suppose the Tyros Stakes would be an obvious stepping stone for him.”

Back in front

Trustyourinstinct was 1/12 to win the nine-and-a-half-furlong conditions race for a third time and duly landed the odds in workmanlike fashion, scoring by a length and a half from Leopold The First. O’Brien said of J.P. McManus’ dual Group 3 winner: “He hasn’t won for a little while, so it was nice to come back and get some confidence. Dylan said that when he got to the front, he was having a good look around. He’ll go back into stakes company now.”

Superb ride

Last season’s champion jockey completed a personal treble in the nine-and-a-half furlong handicap for four-year-olds and upwards when bringing Faro Island (13/2) from well off the pace for a last-gasp victory.

Andy Oliver’s representative had plenty to do early in the straight, but after McMonagle got racing room for him on the stands’ side rail, the James Nicholson-owned Ulysses gelding stayed on well for a short-head success over Elusive Duke in a blanket finish.

A delighted Oliver reported: “He falls in a bracket now (rated 64) that there weren’t very many opportunities for him, and this was the first one that presented itself, so we had to come. Dylan gave him a super ride.”

Andrew Slattery picked up an eight-day (third offence) careless riding ban for causing interference early in the race on Lauderdale King, while Joey Sheridan was suspended for three days for his use of the whip on runner-up Elusive Duke.

FALLACY (3/1) was unruly in the preliminaries and reluctant to load, but was good when it mattered and routed his four rivals in the apprentice handicap for three-year-olds over nine and a half furlongs.

Third on handicap debut last month, Sam Coen’s mount made all for the first time and drew clear from three furlongs out, going on to win by all of 12 lengths.

“We told Basil (Holian, owner) he was a good horse and I’m glad it worked out,” said Slattery

“He is a stayer; he’ll stay two miles, I’d say. Basil likes jumping, so I’d say that’s probably what he’ll end up doing. He is so big for stalls, he is 16’3.”

Two-handed

Stablemate Queen Aethelflaed (6/1) made all under Orla Tynan in the preceding 0-60 handicap over a mile. Second at the same track on her previous outing, the Kay Russell-owned filly held the late run of Roderick by a length and a half, with Slattery’s Chipsrdown another short head back in third.

“She ran well the last day and Orla gave her a nice ride,” Slattery remarked.

“We had two of them in it and I thought the two of them had a chance. They have to run in these races. It’s not ideal taking on each other, but sure what can you do?”

Maiden victory

The seven-furlong three-year-old handicap featured seven handicap debutants in a field of 12, and one of the contingent stepping out of maiden company was victorious.

Ridden by Jack Cleary, Gilts (28/1) got a good position from a low draw and led a furlong out to score by a length and a quarter from Pocket Jacks.

Winning trainer Dick Brabazon said of Max Plapp’s Cotai Glory filly: “She had a super draw and I thought everything was in place for her to run a good race.

“Jack said between seven [furlongs] and a mile suits.”

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