Racing: Galatee put herself in line for a crack at the Darley Irish Oaks with a comfortable success in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Blue Wind Stakes at Naas this evening.
Jim Bolger's charge was completing her hat-trick after winning a 10-furlong maiden on her racecourse debut at the track in April before stepping up to land a Listed event at Gowran last time.
The daughter of Galileo made a smooth transition to Group Three level here, settling in behind early leader Allexina under Kevin Manning.
Turning for home the 11-4 shot was still travelling well and after taking it up approaching the two-furlong marker, Galatee never looked like being caught.
Allexina, the 5-2 favourite, stayed on gamely to finish a three-and-a-half-length second while 16-1 shot Gift Range claimed third.
Bolger was suitably impressed by Galatee's performance and is now eyeing the Curragh Classic on July 16.
He said: "She will go for the Irish Oaks now. She's much better on the track than she is at home as she doesn't really exert herself. I think she will be OK on better ground too."