Racing

Ramone set for Curragh if conditions are suitable

Bill Farrell-trained filly sprang 100/1 surprise in the Group Three Park Express Stakes

Ramone with Seamie Heffernan on board (centre) battles with Flic Flac and Reckless Lad at Leopardstown last summer. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Ramone with Seamie Heffernan on board (centre) battles with Flic Flac and Reckless Lad at Leopardstown last summer. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Thu Apr 02 2015 - 10:15

Ramone is to be aimed at the Lanwades Stud Stakes at the Curragh on May 23rd as long as conditions are suitable. Trainer Bill Farrell will give the Group Two, formerly known as the Ridgewood Pearl Stakes, serious consideration as long as there is some ease in the ground.

Farrell has to look at more Pattern races for the five-year-old mare after she sprang a 100-1 surprise in the Group Three Park Express Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

“The ground will determine what the plan is,” said the Co Kildare handler. “Obviously we are confined now being a Group winner and that changes things around in a positive way.

“She will get an entry in the Ridgewood Pearl up the Curragh on Guineas weekend. It will be very much dependant on ground and it is a Group Two so it will be a step up.

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“Other than that, we are going to maybe have to travel a bit. She wants an ease in the ground, it doesn’t necessarily have to be bottomless.

“The race worked out grand. There was a strong pace and it was easier to get her settled in the pace. She is a strong filly. We were just worried about how fit she was, being her first race of the year.

“Shane [Foley, jockey] thought she was unfit on Friday morning but you just have to back your own judgement. In hindsight, she was more than fit enough.”