'Moll has top-class ability' - Twomey filly shines as Princess Zoe fails to fire

Paddy Twomey believes Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes winner Moll has the ability to be effective at the highest level, with the Camelot four-year-old taking her form to a new level under Billy Lee in the feature.

The Coolmore-bred €3,000 yearling purchase was bought privately by Team Valor after a Dundalk maiden win for Mark Cahill, progressing considerably from a handicap success off 76 on debut for Twomey at Leopardstown last June.

Twomey said of the 6-1 winner: "She was fourth to Even So at Naas last year, only beaten three lengths, but got injured. Moll has top-class ability. I supplemented her for the Irish Oaks last year and I wasn't messing when I did it. Today wasn't a surprise."

It was a first Listed win of her career for MollCredit: David Keane (racingpost.com/photos)

He added: "It's day by day with her and if there's an ease in the ground she'll run in the Munster Oaks back here in June. She has the ability to go all the way but she's been physically immature – everything she's doing is being done on natural ability."

All eyes had been on Prix du Cadran heroine Princess Zoe making her seasonal bow, sent off at 3-1, but she couldn't show her usual potent finishing kick over 1m4f on ground described as yielding, yielding-to-soft in places, finishing ninth of ten.

"After she broke, Joey [Sheridan] felt that she was going as fast as she was able while being comfortable," said Tony Mullins. "She quickened turning in and thought he was going to get into it before flattening out on that ground."

He added: "I'm not disappointed other than it looks like a good cut in the ground is necessary. We'll probably be looking at staying up in trip."

McGuinness finds key

The Listed Sean Barrett Bloodstock Stakes over 6f looked an intriguing puzzle on paper but it produced a clearcut winner in Laugh A Minute for Ado McGuinness, Gavin Ryan and owners Shamrock Thoroughbreds.

Laugh A Minute and Gavin Ryan after winning the Sean Barrett Bloodstock Stakes at CorkCredit: David Keane (racingpost.com/photos)

The classy sprinter is a very useful operator when bringing his 'A' game and quickened up smartly to deny Fiscal Rules, Make A Challenge and Lustown Baba.

McGuinness said: "We were running him in premier handicaps last season and his work at home is very good so we said we'd bite the bullet this year and go back to Listed races. He's a good horse, has been galloping with Harry's Bar and we're blessed to have a nice bunch of horses."

Browne excited

Four-horse trainer Michael Browne has done an excellent job with improving three-year-old Logo Hunter, who has proved money well spent at just 5,000gns out of Ger Lyons' stable and doubled his career tally in a competitive 5f handicap.

"Dylan [Browne McMonagle] said he wasn't doing a tap in front and he had plenty up his sleeve," said Browne of the 89-rated winner, sent off 15-2.

"He was gawking around the place and it's only his fifth run, but he's a very good horse – better than I thought he was. He has a lovely temperament."

Results, replays and analysis

Ultimate Daily – our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe here