Phoenix Thoroughbreds’ Maar may have just proved herself a filly with a bright future with a taking victory at Dundalk on Saturday, April 10.
The Daughter of Kingman built on a promising debut, when fourth over the mile at the all-weather track, taking the step up in trip to a mile and a quarter in her stride to run out a comfortable winner.
Drawn 11 of 12 jockey Ronan Whelan was keen to move the three-year-old towards the front of the field and ended up tucked-in just behind the early pacesetter in 2nd. Perhaps travelling a little keenly early, the Ado McGuinness trainee soon settled into a nice rhythm, easily keeping pace with the leader. Still moving with some class as the field turned for home, she was one of the last off the bridle. Moving to the front under her rider’s urgings, she just got a bit lost and wandered about before being put on the straight and narrow to win by just over two lengths eased down.
It was a run that hinted she might have Stakes races in her immediate future with Whelan reporting that “she’ll improve again” in beating what looked an above-average maiden for the track. Connections are likely to take their time with her now before deciding as to her next assignment, but a possible start in an Oaks trial is under discussion.