Tralee report: Sandie showed her class to grind out victory in testing conditions in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery on the final day of the Tralee Festival yesterday.
Jim Bolger's filly, placed in Listed company on her last three starts, proved too strong for long-time leader An Tadh in the final furlong to land the €50,000 contest.
Kevin Manning sent the daughter of Lil's Boy up to challenge at the furlong pole and the 9 to 4 favourite battled well to wear down her rival for a three-parts-of-a-length victory.
"The question was whether she would handle the track and the ground and she did it well. You can take it that is her last run in a handicap. We will take a look at the (Group One) Moyglare Stakes for her," said Bolger.
Bolger also revealed that stable-star Alexander Goldrun could switch from her original target of the Prix Vermeille to run at Leopardstown on September 10th.
"We are taking a look at the Matron Stakes or the Irish Champion Stakes. If Soviet Song doesn't go in the Matron that could make it attractive while if there is a bit of cut it may inconvenience a few of the principles in the Irish Champion."
Bawaader has proved expensive to follow this season but ended a run of placed efforts in emphatic style in the Bernard Dillon Memorial/Australian Jockey Club Maiden.
Pat Smullen sent the favourite into the lead at halfway and the colt pulled right away down the straight to record an eight-length victory over Killeen Castle.
