A race steeped in promise, this has regularly unveiled top-class middle-distance fillies, and the 2025 edition fits the bill with a mix of well-bred newcomers and intriguing second-season improvers. The pace forecast is very weak, which significantly raises the importance of tactical position. Previous winners include Tarnawa, Savethelastdance, and Above the Curve, with major yards like Weld, O’Brien, and Twomey boasting strong records.


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Strongest Contender – TAKEMETOTHEMOON (Aidan O’Brien)

Timeform: 92p | BF last time | “Remains with potential”

A half-sister to Derby hero City Of Troy and the smart Bertinelli, this beautifully bred filly showed more than enough in two backend starts to be a major force in this weaker maiden. On debut, she finished third behind Just Before at Leopardstown and shaped well again at Dundalk despite not getting the run of the race. Crucially, she’s expected to race prominently – a big tactical edge given the projected dawdle. With the step up to 1m2f set to suit on pedigree and a winter to strengthen, she looks the most solid option.


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Main Dangers

CATALINA DELCARPIO (Paddy Twomey)

Debutante | No form | €400,000 yearling By Sea The Stars, from the family of High Heeled, she makes obvious appeal on pedigree for a yard that excels with fillies first time out. However, she’s drawn wide and the slow pace might not suit a hold-up newcomer. Still, Twomey has a strong hand historically in this division and cannot be underestimated.

TSWALU (Joseph O’Brien)

Timeform: 77p | “Will improve” Shaped better than bare result when sixth of 16 on debut at Cork, denied a clear run before staying on late under hands and heels. She’s bred for middle distances and showed enough to mark her down as a future winner. One of the more battle-hardened types, and could be suited if the pace is slightly stronger than expected.

BUTTERFLY WINGS (Aidan O’Brien)

Timeform: 90p | “Disappointing last time” Carried market confidence last time at Salisbury but failed to land the odds in a slowly-run affair. A return to a galloping track and longer trip should help, but she may need to show more resolve. Her early hype is reflected in the figures, but she may be priced more on pedigree and connections than substance at this stage.


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Trainer Records – Notables

Aidan O’Brien: 2 winners in the past 10 years, saddles Takemetothemoon, Butterfly Wings, and Two For Joy. Takemetothemoon has the edge on profile.

Dermot Weld: 4-time winner, represented by Etawa. Always respect his entries here, especially in fillies’ maidens over 10f+.

Joseph O’Brien: 2 winners in the last decade, sends Tswalu.

Paddy Twomey: While not statistically dominant here, has a potent record with fillies debuting over this trip.



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Summary

This looks a prime opportunity for TAKEMETOTHEMOON to get off the mark at the third attempt. She has experience, a strong staying pedigree, and most importantly, a prominent run style suited to this likely crawl. CATALINA DELCARPIO and TSWALU are the main threats, the former oozing potential for a powerful stable, the latter an improver who should relish this trip. BUTTERFLY WINGS remains of interest but has a little to prove following a tame effort last time.