LOOK To The West (85++) had already caught the eye when pitched in against geldings for her debut in Lingstown, where despite falling at the last she had actually posted a particularly assured round of jumping from the front.

Those tactics remained unchanged in Dromahane and the result was once again an excellent round of jumping which helped her easily stamp her authority on the race to win in a time 11 seconds quicker than the geldings equivalent in that age division on the day’s card.

Like Look To The West, Croke Park (92+) was one of three winners over the weekend to emerge from that Lingstown maiden last month, and he had to show a battling attitude to overcome a persistent rival in what was a steadily-run race, the result of which saw plenty holding chances turning in.

Home straight

That contributed to a far from ideal passage up the home straight for the winner to ensure he is likely value for the winning distance.

Carrigmoorna Rowan (92++) did not encounter any such traffic problems, as like Look To The West, he made all. Two late fallers may have somewhat simplified his task; however he would likely have won in any case, and he looks a smart five-year-old.

Speed

Conditions at Rathcannon put more of a focus on speed and Iorens (81++) excelled here, pulling clear from the last with a lot more to offer.

Doyen Star (90+) was also not found wanting in the quickening stakes in the geldings’ equivalent.

Most encouragingly, when the runner-up tried to close on him at the last, he picked-up a second time to win going away.

At Castletown-Geoghegan, Porter In The Park (79+) defeated no fewer than 17 rivals from the front and showed all the required pace to make a play for a mares’ bumper in the near future.