ROBSON De Aguiar registered a statement success in his fledgling training career when saddling a 1-2 in the Group 3 Jebel Ali Racecourse And Stables Anglesey Stakes - the first blacktype victory he has recorded since taking out a licence in his own name.

Many questioned whether Donagh O’Connor, who rides plenty for the Mullingar yard, was on the best of the pair when jocked up for 16/1 shot Ballinea Star over 4/1 second-favourite Immortal Guard (last seen being unsold at £495,000 at the Goffs London Sale). However, those rider bookings proved on the money.

The recent Cork maiden winner, a well-bought €26,000 yearling in the colours of the trainer’s wife Giselle, showed a determined attitude to emerge on top in the closing stages by half a length, with the runner-up a head in front of 1/3 favourite Confucius (not beaten far when sixth in the Coventry Stakes a week earlier).

The promising second is owned by Ramiro Restrepo, Jacob West and Giselle De Aguiar, meaning neither of the first two had any link to Amo Racing ownership.

“I felt both horses had the same chance and there wasn’t much between the two,” said De Aguiar.

“Ballinea Star won well last time and has got tough and strong since, while six furlongs was probably a bit short for Immortal Guard. I think he’s a horse with a lot of class and will improve a lot when stepping up in trip.

“I have loved Ballinea Star ever since I saw her in the sales. She’s still weak and when she goes further, I think she’ll have a lot to give.”

On what could lie ahead, he added: “I’d say we could step her up to seven furlongs and might come back to Leopardstown for the Silver Flash. We have entered her for the Moyglare and have a plan of the Goffs Million and Breeders’ Cup [Juvenile Fillies’ Turf] in mind for her too. That’s the way we’ve looked for her.”