Dane Street

Dane Street ran a cracker to finish third in a good fillies’ 10-furlong handicap at Navan on Sunday.

The pace was really strong throughout, Mamma Rosa raced in a clear lead, and Dane Street raced handily in the main body of runners. Jessica Harrington’s filly moved up nicely from three furlongs out to take up the running just inside the final two furlongs and she kicked into a clear lead, before the more patiently-ridden Opera Gloves and then Valbucca passed her up the hill.

It was probably a disadvantage to race handily in the race. Mamma Rosa set a ferocious pace, and Dane Street was probably left in front further out than ideal as the pace-setters wilted. She did really well to stick on for third place, getting back at Opera Gloves going to the line and only missing out on the runner-up spot by the bob of a head, and the other three fillies who finished in the first four all came from the second half of the field.

Both the first two fillies home are really progressive, the winner was completing a hat-trick here and the second horse was having just her third start after two runs at Dundalk at the end of last year. The time was really good, the fastest of the day, there was no let-up in the pace at any stage. Bearing in mind this was Dane Street’s first run since early September, and that she took up the running as far out as she did, she could well come on for the run, even though she was well backed in the market. Also, by Street Cry and a half-sister to Dewhurst winner Intense Focus who won his maiden on firm ground, she should progress again for even faster ground.

The way she was backed here suggests she may have been really pleasing at home and that she has done well from three to four so there could be a fair bit more to come from her this season even allowing for her 3lb hike. It would be surprising if she couldn’t win a handicap off her current mark of 89, and she will also be of interest when she steps up in grade.

19th May 2013