Australia Filly Wins Maiden In Good Style

Moonlit Mist (3f Australia – Moonlit View, by Exceed And Excel) drew clear to justify favouritism in Monday’s nine furlong maiden at Ballinrobe.

Placed on her final juvenile start, the Joseph Murphy-trained filly made a promising return at Leopardstown last month and appeared to enjoy Monday’s change of tactics. Leading from the early stages, she was pushed along when challenged before the two furlong pole and was ridden a furlong later. Running on well under Gary Carroll, she won by two lengths and three quarters, with another three lengths and three quarters back to the third horse.

“There's more improvement to come from her,” the winning trainer later commented. “I think she's a nice filly going forward and I just love the sire, Australia. He gets very genuine horses.”

Owned by Mrs MV Magnier and Mrs Paul Shanahan, Moonlit Mist is the first foal bred by Mattock Equine out of Moonlit View. The daughter of Australia hails from the family of Irish 1,000 Guineas third Oracle (Danehill Dancer).