Johnny Murtagh targets Debutante Stakes for impressive winner Mise Le Meas

Johnny Murtagh is eyeing up the Group 2 Debutante Stakes at the Curragh next month for Mise Le Meas after the promising daughter of New Bay ran out an impressive winner of the 7f juvenile fillies' maiden.

There was plenty to like about the 9-4 favourite's introductory third at the Curragh on Derby weekend, and the mount of Ben Coen – carrying the colours of Syndicates Racing & Medallion Racing 2020 – showed a very healthy level of progression to score by a length and three-quarters.

"This looked a nice race to target but it seemed like a strong race when we got here as there were a lot of fancied horses," said Murtagh.

"Ben said she travelled very well, was very professional, jumped and came across [from stall 15]."

He added: "The Debutante Stakes is next, that looks like a good race for her. We think she's a stakes filly and the new syndicate would be keen to go to America at the end of the year."

Exciting Miramis back on track

Sheila Lavery struggled to hide her emotion after seeing Miramis finally get off the mark, with the winner entitled to step up in class after a smooth four-and-a-half-length success under Robbie Colgan in the 7f fillies’ maiden.

The 11-4 chance wasn't disgraced when beginning her career in Group company last season, but after failing to bring her best in two subsequent maiden outings she finally came good to confirm her reputation as a promising youngster.

Miramis: smart winner at Gowran on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"I thought the world of this filly as a two-year-old, but it's just been hard to get her right and her bloods this year have been wrong the whole time," said Lavery.

"The last time I cried when a horse won was when Lady Kaya won the Group 3, but she's shown there what we've thought of her all along."

She added: "I ran a bit scared as she doesn't have any smart entries, whereas she had loads as a two-year-old. I'll have a look at the programme now and see."

Foley and Harrington doubles

Shane Foley and Jessica Harrington were out of luck on Friday at York when Alpine Star was just edged out on her first start since October, but the pair combined to register a handicap double through 11-2 shot Himalayan Beauty and 15-8 favourite Jungle Cove.

Results and analysis

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