Group 1 Aims For Fastnet Rock Filly After Stakes Success

Monday (2f Fastnet Rock - Ballydoyle, by Galileo) provided Ballydoyle with a perfect start to Irish Champions Weekend when losing her maiden tag in the Listed Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown.

A promising fourth on debut earlier in the month, the daughter of Fastnet Rock appeared to appreciate the better ground in Saturday’s seven furlong contest. Seamie Heffernan rode her to make most of the running, asking her to quicken after the two furlong market, with the bay keeping on well to win by three parts of a length.

Speaking after the race, Aidan O’Brien said, “We thought she was very nice the first day. She just found Punchestown a bit unusual around the bends. She had that run and the ground is lovely today.” On future plans, he added, “She can step into a Group race fairly quick, I'd say. She probably learned a lot the first day and learned a good bit more today. The Boussac, Fillies Mile, and all those races will be open to her.”

Bred by Chelston, Orpendale and Wynatt, Monday is the first foal out of Ballydoyle (Galileo), who O’Brien trained to win the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac and Group 2 Debutante Stakes. Ballydoyle is also a full-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Misty For Me (Galileo); dam of top-flight winners U S Navy Flag (War Front) and Roly Poly (War Front), as well as Grade 3 winner cover Song (Fastnet Rock).