Ger Lyons Unveils New Star as Revoke Impresses on Debut at Naas
Trainer Ger Lyons continues to bolster his stable’s reputation for producing top-class prospects, as Juddmonte’s latest talent, Revoke, made a striking debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Naas. Lyons, who already oversees Group One-winning juvenile Babouche and the promising Red Letter for the same owners, added another potential star to his ranks as Revoke cruised to a commanding victory.
Sent off as the 11-10 favorite, Revoke lived up to market expectations with a polished performance. Jockey Colin Keane kept her tucked in behind Oxford Rock before asking her to quicken entering the final furlong. The response was emphatic as Revoke powered clear, winning by an impressive four and three-quarter lengths.
Lyons was pleased with the filly’s first outing and the manner in which she handled the occasion. “Colin said she did exactly what we expected from her at home, which is lovely,” Lyons remarked. “This was her first time away from the yard and her first time galloping on turf. We prepare them that way because I don’t mind if they get beaten first time out. It gives us a clear picture of where we can go with them.”
Looking ahead, Lyons suggested that Revoke could be aimed at higher targets as a two-year-old. “She’s quick, so we won’t shy away from taking on what we can at two, possibly looking for black type. She’s a light filly at just 410 kilos, so we’ll see how she takes this run – she’ll either improve or regress, and she’ll let us know where to go next. Worst case scenario, she could end up at Dundalk for something like the Mercury Stakes.”
O’Brien Strikes Again as Garden Of Eden Blooms at Naas
Aidan O’Brien’s hot streak continued as 18-1 outsider Garden Of Eden claimed victory in a dramatic Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden at Naas. With apprentice Jack Cleary in the saddle, the filly stayed prominent throughout before fending off challengers in a messy finish.
The race concluded with a steward’s inquiry as Celtic Motif, who initially crossed the line second, was relegated to third for causing interference with Twolatebabydoll. As a result, Garden Of Eden was confirmed the winner, securing another notable success for O’Brien’s team.
Chris Armstrong, representing O’Brien, reflected on the performance, noting the improvement shown by Garden Of Eden and stablemate Medici Venus, who finished fourth after encountering trouble. “Both fillies ran in a decent maiden at Leopardstown and were still very green. They’ve both come on nicely at home and stepped up again today,” said Armstrong.
Cleary’s composed ride was key to the victory, and Armstrong praised the jockey’s efforts. “Jack said she’s tough and kept responding when the pressure came on. He set a nice tempo and when the challenges came, she found more,” he added. The filly is expected to step up to a mile later in the season, with connections eyeing a productive campaign next year.
Cleary Completes Double as Chicago Storm Wins for Timmons
Jack Cleary capped off a memorable day with a double when guiding Chicago Storm to victory in the first division of the Hartes Group Apprentice Handicap. Sent off at 20-1, Chris Timmons’ charge proved too strong for the opposition, giving Cleary another winner on a successful afternoon at Naas.
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