Sioux Nation’s Ocean Jewel Takes The Ballycorus

[Wandering Eyes]

Underlining the strength of the speedier 3-year-olds this year, Al Shira'aa Farms' Ocean Jewel (Ire) (Sioux Nation) passed a stern test against the older brigade on Thursday as she captured Leopardstown's G3 TRI Equestrian Ballycorus S. Stretching out to seven furlongs, having finished third behind The Antarctic (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Ocean Quest (Ire) (Sioux Nation) in the G3 Lacken S. over six at Naas last month, the Willie McCreery-trained half-sister to the 1000 Guineas heroine Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) was able to use her sprinting prowess to stay close to the early pace in second. Committed by Billy Lee passing two out, the 16-5 shot saw out the finale strongly to score by 1 1/4 lengths from the veteran stalwart Real Appeal (Ger) (Sidestep {Aus}).

Also second to smart compatriot Beauty Crescent (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the Listed Blenheim S. at Fairyhouse in September, having won her Down Royal maiden with authority earlier that month, Ocean Jewel is unexposed and full of promise at this trip and possibly beyond according to McCreery. “She's improving the whole time and everything worked out perfectly tactically,” he said. “I did think about the Commonwealth [Cup], but I thought 'let's not take on the boys this year' and it that was her first time over seven and Billy [Lee] said she hit the line very well.”

“She's a very sharp filly and I loved the way she settled,” the winning trainer added. “The world is her oyster and we'll take our time with her. We have next year with her and we'll try a group 1 before the year is out. We'll stick to seven this year and might go a mile next year. It's a big weekend for Kieran [Lalor, Al Shira'aa's racing and bloodstock manager]. He bought this filly a couple of years ago and he bought the second favourite for the French Oaks, Jannah Rose.”

The post Sioux Nation’s Ocean Jewel Takes The Ballycorus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article