Ocean Quest

Ocean Quest ran another big race to finish second to The Antarctic in the Group 3 Goffs Lacken Stakes at Naas on Sunday. She was held up just behind the leaders in the small group of five that raced towards the stands side, with The Antarctic leading the larger group that raced on the far side. She made nice ground on the near side at the three-furlong marker, but Shane Foley had to ask her for her effort at the two-furlong pole as The Antarctic kicked for home on the far side. She came clear of her rivals on the near side inside the final furlong, and she closed on The Antarctic all the way to the line, despite the fact that she had nothing with which to race on the near side. She missed out by just a head in the end.

It was a big performance by Jessica Harrington’s filly on just her fifth run ever, and her second run of the season. She had been impressive in winning a listed race on her seasonal debut on heavy ground at Navan, when she had The Antarctic almost seven lengths behind her in third, but she proved here that she could also operate on good, fast ground. She holds an entry in the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot, and she could be an interesting contender in that race if she took her chance in it, a stiff six furlongs and a fast pace could suit her well. She is a progressive filly, she will be of interest wherever she goes next, and she is a filly who is well worth keeping in mind for the autumn too.
Naas, 21^st May 2023