Churchill Filly One To Note After Impressive Debut

Perotan (3f Churchill - Tanaghum, by Darshaan) justified some notable entries when making an impressive debut at Bellewstown on Friday.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained bay was one of 15 to line up for the fillies maiden over a mile and a half, with Seamie Heffernan positioning her in midfield. She showed signs of inexperience when pushed along from the two furlong pole, but when the penny dropped, she swept past her rivals to win by a length and three quarters. Isotta (Camelot) claimed runners-up honours, with a neck back to the favourite Ark (Galileo) in third.

Given the nature of Perotan’s victory, Seamie Heffernan’s post-race comments came as little surprise. “Perotan always worked like a nice filly with a bit of class,” he said. “She won well at the line and hopefully she keeps progressing.”

Owned by Masaaki Matsushima, Coolmore and Westerberg, Perotan holds entries in the Irish Oaks, the Group 2 Kilboy Estate Stakes and Group 1 Nassau Stakes. The daughter of Churchill was bred by Barronstown Stud and is closely related to Group 2 scorer Bangkok (Australia).