Babouche stormed back to her remarkable form, delivering an authoritative performance in the Goffs Lacken Stakes at Naas, marking a brilliant treble for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane. With this win, Babouche rekindled the spark that had set her apart as a Group One winner in the Phoenix Stakes when she dashed ahead of Whistlejacket. Despite a dip in form at the Cheveley Park and an underwhelming start to the season at Cork, the filly reminded everyone of her prowess.
The much-anticipated duel with the returning Whistlejacket, who had a successful seasonal debut, peaked with two furlongs remaining as the favorite led the pack. Yet, Babouche, with her smooth gait, carried Keane forward, securing a two-and-three-quarter-length victory, leaving Whistlejacket trailing. Ger Lyons commented on his filly’s performance saying, “That’s the first time I’ve seen that this year from her,” as Babouche now holds the 4/1 favorite spot for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Lyons added, “Now we can go to the Commonwealth and if we get beat, we get beat, but at least we know we are locked and loaded. It’s been a good day.”
Earlier in the day, Lady Iman extended her unbeaten streak triumphantly in the Blackbeard Fillies Sprint Stakes. On paper, Keane faced a formidable challenge against Aidan O’Brien’s favored Simply Astounding, a Wootton Bassett progeny. But expectations were upended when the odds-on favorite faded early, while Lady Iman dashed past Green Sense in the final furlong, achieving victory by three-quarters of a length. She is now a 4/1 favorite for both the Albany and the Queen Mary. Trainer Lyons, impressed with her ease remarked, “She came to me with a reputation and she’s done everything easy.”
The thrilling treble for Lyons and Keane began with Beckman’s stunning victory in the one-mile handicap, overcoming the reputed favorite Mississippi River by over two lengths, deflating expectations placed on the 3/10 hotpot.
Aidan O’Brien opened the day on a high note, as Charles Darwin conquered the Coolmore Stud The Antarctic Race, validating his short 1/14 odds with another victory. Moore’s mount, following a successful start at Navan, is a strong 3/1 contender for the Norfolk Stakes at Ascot. O’Brien expressed his satisfaction, noting, “We’re very happy, he just needed a nice sharp bit. Obviously the plan is to go to Ascot with him and it was nice to do it on lovely ground.”
Additionally, Copacabana Sands vindicated himself with a sturdy finish in the Listed Owenstown Stud Stakes, over seven furlongs. After a troubled run at Leopardstown, the horse managed to outpace the front-runner, One Smack Mac, driven by Jamie Powell, to claim victory by half a length.
Adrian Murray’s Bucanero Fuerte also made headlines by reclaiming his winning stature in the Sole Power Sprint Stakes. Despite misfortunes that led to missing Royal Ascot last year, the one-time Group One winner showed dominance in the Group Three setting. Against Ger Lyons’ Magnum Force, who couldn’t muster form, Bucanero Fuerte shone with David Egan at the helm, driving a 13/8 favorite to a length and three-quarters triumph over Powerful Nation.
This eventful day at Naas showcased the grit and stamina of top contenders, each stamping their mark in the path to the grand Royal Ascot stages. Lyons and Keane’s extraordinary synergy electrified the tracks, celebrating a jubilant occasion in horse racing.
