3 minute read

Richard Hannon's Great Page got her big-race aspirations back on track with an impressive win in the Coolmore Stud EBF Fillies' Sprint Stakes at Naas.

Having taken the eye with a debut success at Windsor she was comfortably beaten by stable companion Illuminate just 13 days later at Salisbury over five furlongs.

Stepping up in trip for a Listed race which has a good record of producing a smart winner or two, the winner looked in a different league to her seven rivals.

Sean Levey moved through stylishly before kicking three lengths clear of Jim Bolger's apparent second-string Special Focus with Promised Money third.

Great Page was sent off at 4-1 and the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot is among her options.

"I thought she won her maiden well at Windsor. She came up against a very decent filly next time and the trip probably didn't suit us," said Levey.

"There was a bit of a worry about the ground but I think she is a very good filly, and her sire handled all sorts of ground. I'd say she will get seven furlongs in time. She travelled like a dream and I got there a bit sooner than I would like."

Tim Palin, of owners Middleham Park Racing, said: "She ran back too quick when she was beaten last time.

"It was only 13 days after she put up a big effort on her debut and it was only over five and she needs six.

"The Albany, Cherry Hinton and Moyglare are all possibles.

"She's bred for a mile and could be a Guineas filly.

"Sean said it was a muddling pace early and he got there way too soon but he couldn't do anything about it, she just dragged him there."

Middleham's Mike Prince added: "It's possible she could go to Royal Ascot, but not certain. Sandiva probably left Ascot behind by winning this race two years ago. The main plan is to come back for the Moyglare later in the year."