Flying Five looks to be in the works at the Curragh.
She's Quality Shines at Tipperary, Dominates Irish Stallion Farms EBF Abergwaun Stakes
She’s Quality stormed back into the winner's circle with a commanding performance in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Abergwaun Stakes at Tipperary. The Jack Davison-trained filly proved why she’s a force to be reckoned with, dismissing her rivals in the five-furlong sprint and stamping her class on the field.
This victory comes after a couple of respectable performances, where She’s Quality finished sixth in two tough contests—the Listed race at Deauville and the Group Two Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh. Despite not placing in those races, her previous Tipperary victory in July signaled she was always capable of bouncing back.
Ridden by Billy Lee, the 85-40 favorite took control of the race from the very start. Breaking well, she surged to the front, and despite initial plans to track the pace, Lee allowed her to stride on when she hit her rhythm. With first-time blinkers aiding her focus, She’s Quality showcased her raw speed and determination, completely dismantling the competition to win by a comfortable three lengths over Jakajaro.
“She’s got so much speed,” Lee commented after the race. “Jack (Davison) had asked me to try and track another horse, but at halfway, he told me to let her go and try to wear them out. She broke sooner than expected, but once she got going, I didn’t want to interrupt her stride. With blinkers on for the first time, she just took off, and there was no stopping her.”
Indeed, the race was virtually over from the halfway point. She’s Quality dominated the straight and proved her class, leaving the rest of the field struggling to keep up on the fast Tipperary track.
Her win has now sparked talk of bigger things. Paddy Power bookmakers immediately slashed her odds for the Flying Five at the Curragh, cutting her from 50-1 to 33-1. While those odds still place her as an outsider, her blistering performance at Tipperary makes her one to watch heading into the highly competitive Irish Champions Weekend.
Billy Lee hinted that the Flying Five might well be her next target: “It’s great to get the Listed win for her, and hopefully, she can step up again. Jack mentioned the Flying Five as her next destination, and after today, I’d say she’ll give it a good go.”
For trainer Jack Davison, She’s Quality’s victory is a reminder of the filly’s immense talent. While her previous runs might not have yielded the results hoped for, her speed and power have never been in question. With this Listed win under her belt, She’s Quality is firmly back in the spotlight, and the Flying Five could be the perfect stage for her to showcase her sprinting prowess.
Davison and his team have managed to unlock something special in the filly with the introduction of blinkers. She was calm and focused throughout the race, taking charge when needed and finishing with a flourish. If this is a sign of things to come, She’s Quality could be a dangerous contender in her next outing.
As the racing world now shifts its focus toward the upcoming Irish Champions Weekend, all eyes will be on how She’s Quality continues to develop. With her powerful sprint and newfound confidence, she has the potential to upset some of the more fancied runners in the Flying Five. Whether she can make the leap from Listed races to Group Ones remains to be seen, but after today, there’s no doubt she has earned her shot.
The triumph of She’s Quality in the Abergwaun Stakes is a significant win not only for the filly but for her connections as well. Jack Davison’s decision to equip her with blinkers proved to be a masterstroke, helping her channel her speed and energy into a dominant performance. The move to cut her odds for the Flying Five shows just how highly bookmakers are rating her potential after this victory. While she’s still an outsider for now, her electric pace over five furlongs should not be underestimated. Racing fans will be eagerly awaiting her next move, especially with a stage as grand as the Irish Champions Weekend on the horizon.
