Bay Of Plenty

Bay Of Plenty was a game winner of the juveniles’ six-furlong maiden at Naas on Thursday, and he ran out an impressive winner in the end. Nicely supported beforehand, Johnny Murtagh’s newcomer travelled well for Ben Coen just behind the pace towards the near side.  He went for a gap between Mount Ruapehu and The Snapper towards the near side at the two-furlong marker, but that gap closed quite quickly.  Ben Coen had to check his horse and ask him to pick up again but, switched towards the stands rail, he re-gathered his momentum quite quickly, hit the front inside the final furlong and, although moving to his left close home, he continued to go forward, going on to win by over a length in the end.

It was a brave performance by Johnny Murtagh’s horse. Bought for 75,000 guineas at the Goffs Sportsman Sale last October, he is a half-brother to five winners, including Glesga Girl, a 97-rated filly whose two wins were gained over seven furlongs.  The New Bay gelding showed a smart turn of foot here, but he went to the line so strongly, having picked up again, that he should be well able for seven furlongs, and possibly a mile.  He will be of interest wherever he goes now.

Naas, 15th September 2022