Albany Aim For Impressive No Nay Never Filly

Aidan O’Brien unveiled his latest Royal Ascot contender at the Curragh on Sunday, in the shape of smart debut winner Matrika (2f No Nay Never - Muravka, by High Chaparral).

Ryan Moore took the ride aboard the daughter of No Nay Never in the six furlong fillies’ maiden on the final day of Irish Guineas weekend at the Curragh. Matrika raced prominently after a furlong and was pushed along to lead approaching the final furlong. The bay was pushed out to score by three parts of a length from Grand Job (Justify), with a neck back to Mysteries (No Nay Never) in third.

“She is totally asleep all the time at home,” O’Brien revealed after the race. “She could be one of those lazy workers and that is often a good thing. I think Joseph and Donnacha liked their fillies, which is a good sign.”

The Albany Stakes is next on the agenda for Matrika, who is owned by Coolmore partners with Westerberg. The Barronstown Stud-bred filly is a full-sister to dual Grade 3 winner and Grade 1 second Unicorn Lion (No Nay Never), and a half-sister to Group 1 winning two-year-old The Wow Signal (Starspangledbanner) and Listed winner Miss Infinity (Rock Of Gibraltar).