Zoffany Filly Adds Munster Oaks To Stakes Haul

The ultra-consistent Who’s Steph (4f Zoffany - Llew Law, by Verglas) gained the fourth Stakes success of her career when taking the Group 3 Munster Oaks at Cork on Friday evening.

Stepping back up to a mile and a half after finishing a close second over ten furlongs in the Blue Wind Stakes at Naas, she was sent off the even-money favourite. Ridden, as always, by Colin Keane, the Ger Lyons-trained filly chased the leaders and took closer order from three furlongs out. Travelling well to lead after the two furlong marker, she was pushed clear under hands and heels inside the final furlong and scored by a length, comfortably. Her closest rival in the betting, previous Listed winner Peach Tree (Galileo), claimed runners-up honours.

On future plans, the winning trainer commented, “Who’s Steph is in the Pretty Polly Stakes. That is a huge step up but her owner bought her for the big days. Last year I couldn't run her because of the ground but this year we're getting a run with her so we are having a bit of luck.”

Originally owned by Sean Jones, Who’s Steph was purchased privately by George Strawbridge after winning the 1,000 Guineas Trial last April. Bred by Patrick Headon, she was a €40,000 yearling buy by Lyons, who also trained her half-brother Thunder Crash (Footstepsinthesand) to win twice.