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Sea Of Grace battles to Flame Of Tara success for John Oxx

3 minute read

Sea Of Grace battled back in the dying strides to take Group Three honours in the Flame Of Tara EBF Stakes at the Curragh.

After moving eyecatchingly from last place to lead over a furlong out, the 7-2 chance was headed by old rival Eziyra but John Oxx's filly knuckled down admirably for Declan McDonogh.

The daughter of Born To Sea got her head back in front where it mattered to deny the Dermot Weld-trained even-money favourite by a neck.

Oxx said: "It was fast enough for her as she would like a bit of an ease. They went a good gallop and she has a good turn of foot.

"Declan gave her a squeeze and off she went. Then I thought she would get beaten, but she is very courageous and has plenty of heart.

"She has gone the right way, and was better today than when she beat Eziyra (at Tipperary). They are two good fillies."

He added: "If there is an ease in the ground, we may let her take her chance in the Moyglare. It's only two weeks away but we'll see how she is.

"It was the plan to drop her in, and she is becoming more settled. Declan said she is still quite green, so hopefully she will continue to improve.

"He dam wasn't that great but did win over a mile and a half."

Boylesports quoted both Sea Of Grace and Eziyra at 25-1 for the Investec Oaks, but RaceBets go just 16-1 about the winner.