Shamreen and Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
Shamreen with blinkers tried, gained the fourth win of her career in the Group 3 Qatar Airways Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh.
Pat Smullen settled the daughter of Dubawi behind the leader, and she moved closer in second from halfway.
Shamreen led travelling well under three furlongs out, and driven clear over a furlong out she was soon in command to convincingly account for outsider Massif Central by three and a quarter lengths.
Winning trainer Dermot Weld said: "She won the Group 2 Blandford last year and we may look at that race again for her. We will also be looking for a Group 1, and the Prix de l'Opera and the EP Taylor in Canada are possible targets.
"The ground is vital as she is very effective on that ground. We found out last year at Cork in the Give Thanks that she doesn't stay a mile and a half, so ten furlongs is her trip."
On other plans the Rosewell House handler revealed: "Chiara Luna will go for the Moyglare. She came out of the race well and wants seven furlongs or a mile. She's out of a Ribblesdale Stakes winner.
"We took a chance running her over six but the reason for doing it was we were running against time and wanted to teach her.
"She would learn a lot more over six around Leopardstown than say a mile here where they canter along and just quicken for a furlong. She learned how to horse-race in the six around Leopardstown, and is a nice filly.
"Pat will find it very difficult to retain his title as a lot of the two-year-olds that I have are more staying bred and I won't rush them for later this year. I'm hoping we might have a Derby horse for next year among them.
"We don't have a big, strong team of three-year-olds ready to run."
The Stewards requested a report from D. K. Weld, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Shamreen, placed first, as compared with its most recent form.
The trainer reported that his yard appeared to be under a cloud for some time, but have returned to form of late and felt this had brought about the apparent improvement in form.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
(AM & EM)
