Cayenne Pepper and Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
Shane Foley’s decision to partner Cayenne Pepper (4s into 3s second favourite) in the Group Two Moyglare ‘Jewels’ Blandford Fillies’ and Mares’ Stakes, was vindicated in style as the Australia three-year-old slammed the opposition at the Curragh.
Winning trainer Jessica Harrington also had Celestial Object and One Voice in the mix, and stable jockey Foley chose Cayenne Pepper ahead of the latter.
The season’s leading rider always had pace-setter Amma Grace (50/1) in his sights.
For the sponsor Amma Grace ran a cracker, but she couldn’t live with the dual Group One winning runner-up, Cayenne Pepper, from over a furlong out. Four lengths separated them at the line.
American-based owner Sarah Kelly could see her top-notch chestnut stateside in the QEII at Keeneland at the beginning of October, before a Breeders’ Cup bid.
Following on from Cadillac for the team in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes yesterday, Kate Harrington said: “That's the real Cayenne Pepper, I don't know what we were doing going a mile-and-a-half with her!
“Shane said the way she won there you'd think she'd get a mile-and-a-half no problem but she just doesn't quite see it out.
“We had a lot of problems with her in the spring and I thought today was the first day she actually looked strong in the paddock.
“She didn't grow last year and did all her growing in the spring and we had problem after problem.
“It's sad that Jon Kelly wasn't around to see her but he'll be up there looking down on her. He passed away a week after the Oaks. It's lovely for her to win but it's a bit emotional.
“We might go to America with her for Sarah to see her, providing everything is okay. She is invited to the QE II in Keeneland three weeks prior to the Breeders Cup so she could go there and then stay over for the Breeders Cup.
“We'll let the dust settle and see how she is this week.”
Paddy Power go 8/1 from 20/1 about Cayenne Pepper for the Prix de l’Opera. She's 9/1 first show for the Breeders' Cup filly and mare turf.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Magic Wand trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined One Voice, trained by Mrs John Harrington, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
At the request of the Stewards, R.L. Moore, rider of Magic Wand, trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was not suited by today's ground conditions.
(GC & EM)
