Impressively supported Galileo Dame (morning 3/1, returned 13/8) emerged as the victor in Leopardstown's initial Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden today, displaying a solid burst of speed to secure the win for trainer Joseph O'Brien and jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle.
The filly by Galileo Gold had previously finished second in her only race as a young horse. Returning today, she once again competed on challenging terrain and showed impressive acceleration to defeat Rubies Are Red, who is related to the Prix de l'Arc champion Found, by 3.5 lengths.
The trainer, O'Brien, expressed satisfaction with the horse's performance on soft ground last year and believed that a distance of ten furlongs would be well-suited for her. I was delighted, and based on that observation, one would have to conclude that she's an intelligent young horse.
The logical step now is to participate in a trial for the Oaks or a similar event. She will likely choose that destination.
"She's in the hands of a fantastic group of individuals, the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate, Sean O'Driscoll and Brian McKieran, and it's truly thrilling for them to have such an intelligent young filly."