Chantez turns tables on Soul Love to claim Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes
Chantez produced a determined finish to prevail in the Tally-Ho Stud Irish EBF Ballyogan Stakes at Naas, denying Karl Burke’s Soul Love a consecutive success at the course. The four-year-old, trained by Ger Lyons and ridden by Gary Carroll, recorded her first Group winner after a run of starts without victory.
Having taken on Soul Love over the same course and distance at Naas last month – when finishing three lengths behind that rival – Chantez reappeared with a changed set-up and made the most of it. She closed strongly in the closing stages to reverse the earlier form and win in Group Three company.
Connections reassess plans after potential retirement call
Ownership and training circles indicated the result may affect the mare’s immediate future. Racing manager PJ Colville confirmed that retirement had been under consideration before the Ballyogan, but the performance has prompted renewed discussion about keeping her in training. He noted that the step back to six furlongs, the fitting of blinkers and the stiff finish at Naas all appeared to suit her on the day, and that the team will consult over possible targets while monitoring ground conditions.
Irish EBF maidens highlight promising juvenile prospects
The Naas card also showcased three juvenile winners, each offering a different message for the season ahead.
Maeda Matsu stakes a claim
Sheila Lavery’s Maeda Matsu, stepping up to seven furlongs after a promising return in the valuable Ballyhane Stakes, took the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. The Dubawi Legend filly, who had finished second on her previous start, led approaching the final furlong and held on to score by three-quarters of a length under Rory Cleary.
Lavery said the filly had shown greenness in front but also the potential to progress quickly; having been tried at seven furlongs already, Maeda Matsu may be aimed at suitable fillies’ contests as she develops.
Timeless Tale impressive on debut
Willie McCreery’s Timeless Tale made a striking winning debut in the Matchbook Exchange Irish EBF Fillies Maiden, coming home clear of her rivals. The trainer described the filly as a big, strong individual with natural ability and suggested a step up to stakes company could be considered next.
Zoar follows up promising debut form
In the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden, the No Nay Never colt Zoar, now trained by Donnacha O’Brien, justified favouritism to take the contest. The colt had previously finished behind a high-class rival at this venue and displayed further progress to win. O’Brien indicated Zoar might handle an extra furlong and that stepping up to stakes company could be the next move.
What the card delivered for festival prospects
- Chantez’s success underlined the potential effectiveness of a drop back to sprinting distances for a mare whose form had been more notable over further in recent starts.
- Several juveniles reinforced the strength of Naas as a proving ground for filly and juvenile talent, with connections already considering stakes targets.
- Trainers and owners will now weigh up entries for autumn fixtures and major Irish and UK meetings depending on ground and individual progress.
The Naas meeting served a timely reminder of how small adjustments in trip and equipment can prompt significant returns to form, and it provided several horses with clear pathways as the season moves towards the autumn festival period.
