Smart Fillies Go on Trial at Naas

Smart Fillies Go on Trial at Naas

  The Queally Group Irish EBF Naas Oaks Trial will be the main focus of attention at Naas Racecourse on Wednesday evening with a field of 11 declared for the listed contest.   The race has been shared between Dermot Weld and Aidan O’Brien since 2011 with Weld winning four of the last six renewals and he will be hoping that Frima, a daughter of Frankel, can enhance his record in the race and open her account at the third time of asking.   Aidan O’Brien will saddle three runners, Key To My Heart, Butterflies and Elizabeth Browning, while Bloomfield and Elusive Duchess will both put their unbeaten record on the line after impressing in maiden company last time out for Willie McCreery and Adrian Keatley.   Classic winning trainer Keatley trained Elusive Duchess to an impressive maiden victory at Listowel earlier in the month and is hoping that she can build on that promise.   Adrian Keatley said “We are throwing her in at the deep end a little bit but she impressed us enough in Listowel to justify running in race like this and hopefully she can be there or there abouts. In fairness to her she couldn't have done it any easier at Listowel and has come out of the race well and we might as well let her take her chance. She has no rating so will have to step up to that level now and fingers crossed she can.”   Jessica Harrington has already produced some nice winners at Naas so far this flat season and Black Ruby will be her runner in the 1m2f feature event, while trainer Michael Halford will allow maiden winner Petticoat to step up in class.   Jim Bolger is double handed in the race with Vociferous Marina the mount of stable jockey Kevin Manning and Ronan Whelan partnering Modern Approach the field is completed by Ken Condon’s Furiosa who was a Gowran Park maiden winner last time out.   Racing will get underway at 5.50pm with a fascinating juvenile maiden with 11 runners due to post for the House Of Finance Irish EBF Fillies Maiden. The going is good to yielding, forecast is mild and showery.   For further information, contact Catherine Murray Sales & Marketing Manager, Naas Racecourse on 087 465 0761 or email cmurray@naasracecourse.com.