'She looks like an Albany filly' - Fairy Godmother into 5-1 for Royal Ascot after taking last-to-first win

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Fairy Godmother emerged as a leading contender for the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot after coming from last to first to lose her maiden tag in the Group 3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes.

The daughter of Night Of Thunder, now between a 3-1 and 6-1 shot for the Albany behind general 7-4 market leader Mountain Breeze, was beaten by the reopposing Sparkling Sea in a maiden here last month, but Ryan Moore's mount was sent off 6-5 favourite for the rematch despite the ease of that defeat.

Moore dropped her in at the back and allowed Sparkling Sea a hint of first run, but her improvement from her first to her second start quickly became apparent as she quickened up well on the climb to the finish to score by a neck.

O'Brien said: "We were surprised she was beaten first time, but she was very green. Even though they went slowly today, we made the decision that we were going to drop her in and teach her, and decide from there how we were going to ride her at Ascot. She got the trip well and did well to get through from where she was.

"She looks an Albany filly who will get seven [furlongs]. Ryan said she's a filly that can continue towards the Moyglare, and that's what you like to hear."

Sparkling Sea's trainer Ger Lyons ruled out a trip to Ascot, but said: "She was 70 per cent cooked today and when she matures she's going to be a lovely filly. 

"Colin [Keane] thought he maybe went after the leader too quickly, but she came back a bit quicker than he thought and it allowed Ryan to pick his pocket. That was a proper race and they're both Group 1 fillies."

Aesop's Fables wins the Sole Power Sprint at NaasCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It concluded a quick treble for O'Brien and Moore as Treasure Isle landed the 5f juvenile race and Aesop's Fables won the Listed Sole Power Sprint Stakes.

The latter was narrowly beaten in the Prix de l'Abbaye last year and unlucky in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, but gained a first win since landing the Futurity Stakes in 2022.  His neck victory over Twilight Jet saw him cut to 16-1 (from 20) by Paddy Power for the King Charles III Stakes, formerly known as the King's Stand.

O'Brien said: "He usually takes a few runs to get right. Everyone had been happy with him at home. We thought he might come on again for today. He's tough, hardy and a real sprinter. This is his trip."

Bucanero roars back

The decision to bypass the 2,000 Guineas with Phoenix Stakes winner Bucanero Fuerte paid dividends as he carried his Group 1 penalty to success in the Goffs Lacken Stakes.

The Amo Racing-owned son of Wootton Bassett made most of the running under David Egan and rallied inside the final furlong to repel the effort of 5-4 favourite Givemethebeatboys by a diminishing head. 

Bucanero Fuerte: narrowly won the Lacken Stakes at NaasCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

A winner first time out last year before adding the Group 2 Railway Stakes and Group 1 Phoenix Stakes to his tally, he is set to return to the highest level next. He was trimmed by most firms into 7-1 (from 8) for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Trainer Adrian Murray said: "He's unbelievable and had to tough it out today. We had to come here because we'd as much done at home as we could and that run is going to bring him on plenty.

"He had a lot left in the tank. He did a spectacular piece of work at the Curragh last Sunday. It's on now to Ascot and we'll probably go for the Commonwealth Cup. We're really looking forward to it."

Luke McAteer was in trouble with the stewards after he was found guilty of careless riding on fifth home Jakajaro. As it was his fourth offence in this regard, he received a 12-day ban.

Read these next:

'It looks like he could be very nice' - Harrington has Royal Ascot plans for unbeaten Birdman 

Mountain Breeze 6-4 for Royal Ascot contest after bolting up on the Rowley Mile 

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