First Black-Type Winner For James Garfield

[Wandering Eyes]

Off the mark on debut over five furlongs at Thirsk May 14, the David O'Meara-trained filly Maria Branwell (Ire) (James Garfield {Ire}–Princess Pearl {Ire}, by Teofilo {Ire}) took the next step in her stride on Thursday to capture Sandown's Listed Coral National S. Settled with two behind early by Danny Tudhope, the 3-1 shot had to chase hard after the Listed First Flier S. runner-up Crispy Cat (GB) (Ardad {Ire}) inside the final two furlongs and despite running away from the whip initially focused enough to run down that visitor close home for a neck success. “She was green and is still learning, but was up against the boys today and has taken a nice step forward,” her rider said. “She has a great attitude and is a very likeable filly. We were outpaced at halfway, but she really picked up and did her best work in the last furlong so I'm sure she'll get six.” Rathbarry Stud's first-season sire (by Exceed and Excel {Aus}) is off to a flying start, with this being his first black-type winner from only a handful of runners.

 

Maria Branwell (3/1) is a smart two-year-old and overhauls Crispy Cat in the closing stages of the Coral National Stakes at @Sandownpark for @omeararacing and Danny Tudhope pic.twitter.com/Pg8F2iC7Rt

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 26, 2022

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