Determined Juvenile Leads Smart Double For Australia

Saturday saw Freedom Of Speech (2f Australia - Vocal Nation, by Vocalised) run out a game winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race at Naas, continuing the terrific form of her sire and the Jim Bolger team.

Third on both her previous starts, Bolger’s homebred led the field under Kevin Manning and was ridden approaching the final furlong. Digging deep, she refused to lay down as several delivered challenge and battled back to win by three parts of a length.

Speaking after the race, Una Manning said, “I thought she was very courageous as she didn’t have it all her own way and battled back well.” On future ambitions, she added, “The plan now would be to move her up to Listed company and she’ll want a step up in trip as well. She’s very much a filly for next year.”

Later that afternoon, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Benaud (3g Australia - Kawaha, by Danehill Dancer) made a smart return to action in the Rated Race over ten furlongs.

Racing at the back of the field under Shane Crosse, he made headway from two furlongs out and quickened to lead inside the final furlong. Ridden out, he won by a length and three quarters from the favourite Baton Rouge (Galileo) in second.

Owned by Smith, Magniers, Shanahan and Carthy, the son of Australia lost his maiden tag at Leopardstown in October. A trip to Ascot may now be on the cards, according to assistant trainer Brendan Powell, who said, “Shane said they went fast and he travelled away well. He kept picking up and I’m sure he’ll improve a nice bit from that run.”