Likedbymike stretches clear to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Abergwaun Stakes
Michael Byrne marked a memorable afternoon at Cork as Likedbymike produced a resolute finish to land the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Abergwaun Stakes over the straight five furlongs.
Kept in rear early, Colin Keane waited for his moment before delivering the filly’s challenge inside the final furlong. Likedbymike quickened when required to collar the long-time leader and was always holding the persistent Erosandpsyche close home, with Focaccia fading to finish third.
Race pattern and finishing positions
The race split into groups early on along the straight course. Likedbymike, by Inns Of Court, was among the last to be asked for effort but produced a decisive turn of foot at the furlong pole. Erosandpsyche finished well to take second, beaten under a length, while Focaccia, who had set the early fractions, was two lengths back in third.
Trainer and connections
The victory provided a notable moment for trainer Michael Byrne, whose filly had previously won a maiden at Cork and returned to form after a break following a success at Naas. Byrne indicated that the time off had benefited the filly and that her confidence had been helped by the Naas run.
Byrne also confirmed that the immediate plan is to target a fillies’ Listed contest at the Curragh at the start of next month, citing the filly’s ability to handle an ease in the ground as a positive factor in those plans. The trainer noted that although breeze-up sales are usually the focus for the yard, this filly had not gone through a breeze-up and had been campaigned in a different way.
What the performance means
Likedbymike’s win underlined her affinity for Cork, where she had previously opened her account in a maiden, and maintained the form of her latest outing. The pattern of running — held up then finishing strongly — may inform how connections place her in the short term, with the Curragh Listed chance already pencilled in as the next target.
The result will also be a welcome boost for the Ballydoyle of smaller yards: a success in a black-type-supporting contest for a filly produced outside the breeze-up route showcases alternative paths to the track for sprinters in Ireland.
Placings
- 1st: Likedbymike (Michael Byrne; ridden by Colin Keane)
- 2nd: Erosandpsyche
- 3rd: Focaccia
The Cork straight produced a typically tactical five-furlong sprint, and Likedbymike’s turn of foot proved the difference. Attention now turns to whether she can step up to Listed level at the Curragh next month.
