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Prime Art picture perfect in Firth Of Clyde

3 minute read

Prime Art (10/1) ensured there would be another Irish success in the UK on Saturday afternoon by taking out the Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Firth Of Clyde Stakes in great style.

WAVE MACHINE and Ben Coen won for trainer Johnny Murtagh. Picture: Pat Healy Photography

Despite being well-backed, the Johnny Murtagh-trained filly still had plenty ahead of her in the betting going into the only Group race run in Scotland, but she soon had plenty of horses behind her when quickening up in fine style with a furlong to run.

Confidently ridden by Ben Curtis, the daughter of Churchill travelled kindly in behind runners and once the gap appeared, she showed a good attitude to quicken up between rivals, eventually pulling away for a commanding one and three-quarter length success.

Marco Botti's Great Generation stayed on well from the rear of the field to grab second towards the near side rail, while fellow Irish raider Navassa Island was back in third.

It was her second victory in just four outings and a clear step up in grade after breaking her maiden in decent style at Naas just nine days ago.

Speaking with ITV Racing, winning jockey Ben Curtis said: "The race worked out perfect, she relaxed early doors and then she came on it [the bridle] past the three [furlong marker],"

"She travelled into it lovely, and I just waited for the gap, when it came she quickened up very well and she hit the line strong – she couldn't have done any more.

"Her form is rock solid, and she showed a great attitude to win at Naas the last day, I think there's definitely more to come.

"The way she pricked her ears there you'd think there was more under the bonnet."

Paddy Power introduced her at 40/1 for next season's 1000 Guineas.