THE feature race on Leopardstown’s Thursday card, the Group 3 Stanerra Stakes, was won in impressive fashion by Believe in Love (103+) as Roger Varian’s British raider put her disappointing York performance behind her and now looks set for further success as the season progresses.

Ronan Whelan produced the daughter of Make Believe on the home turn and once the duo hit the front, the race was over as a contest. Although the closing three-furlong sectional of 37.71 seconds was bettered by fellow card winners Mosala (93; 36.59s) and Chiricahua (97; 36.85s) the early pace set by High Heels and Sherbert Lemon produced a much quicker overall race time when adjusted for distance. The Lillie Langtry at the Qatar Goodwood Festival looks an ideal next assignment.