Verdict
Ballybacka Queen defied her 50/1 starting price with an excellent second to Avenue Gabriel at the Curragh and the winner didn't let the form down in a Group 3 subsequently. She had Calorie over 2l back in third that day and Terrific a long way behind and with further progress will be very difficult to beat. However, Dermot Weld targets this race every year and TARFASHA looks another off the production line. She made supporters of the long odds-on Geoffrey Chaucer sweat in a three-runner race at Leopardstown where she promised much more to come and is handed the vote.
Formwatch
Ballybacka Queen (IRE) 50-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, 2nd over 2f out, soon challenged and every chance, kept on well inside final furlong without quite matching winner, 2nd of 16, nk behind Avenue Gabriel (9-0) at Curragh 7f 2yo fll mdn gf in Jun.
Calorie 9-2 (9-0) Soon led, pressed from 2f out, headed under 1f out, soon no impression in 3rd, kept on same pace, 3rd of 16, 2 1/2l behind Avenue Gabriel (9-0) at Curragh 7f 2yo fll mdn gf in Jun.
Gold Necklace (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Towards rear early, no impression and kept on same pace from 2f out, 11th of 16, 11l behind Avenue Gabriel (9-0) at Curragh 7f 2yo fll mdn gf in Jun.
Good Strike (USA) Smart Strike filly out of Liscanna.
Ode To Psyche (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Waited with, effort on outer 2f out, soon no impression, kept on, 9th of 16, 9l behind Avenue Gabriel (9-0) at Curragh 7f 2yo fll mdn gf in Jun.
One Reason (IRE) Captain Marvelous filly out of Rumours Abound.
Principessa Ava (IRE) Ad Valorem filly out of Creme De La Creme.
Tarfasha (IRE) 13-2 (9-0) Tracked leader close-up in 2nd, pushed along in straight and kept on hands and heels inside final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 3, nk behind Geoffrey Chaucer (9-5) at Leopardstown 1m 2yo mdn gf.
Terrific (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Towards rear early, no impression and kept on same pace from 2f out, 12th of 16, 12l behind Avenue Gabriel (9-0) at Curragh 7f 2yo fll mdn gf in Jun.