Palace strikes at Killarney

A quick return to Group company beckons for Palace (3f Fastnet Rock-Lady Icarus, by Rainbow Quest) following a comfortable victory in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Cairn Rouge Stakes at Killarney.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained filly, who finished fifth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and seventh in the Investec Oaks earlier this season, stayed on strongly in the closing stages to prevail by half a length in the extended-mile contest.

"Palace wouldn’t mind a step up in trip and she is a hardy lady,” O’Brien told irishracing.com afterwards. “She is in this weekend in both the Kilboy Estate Stakes and the Oaks.

“The Kilboy is a possibility. My horses are in that place right now where most are well and they can turn out again quite quickly.”