Yaupon De Replay sparks Breeders’ Cup hopes with debut win

Joseph O’Brien could look to the Breeders’ Cup meeting with Yaupon De Replay after she finished with a flourish to win the Listed Ballyhane Blenheim Stakes at Fairyhouse on her racecourse debut.

The filly, who cost $150,000 in May, went off a 20-1 chance on her first start but clearly knew plenty.

Ridden by Chris Hayes, Yaupon De Replay looked to have a bit to do with two furlongs to run but she picked up impressively to beat Chicago Call by a neck.

“We liked what we saw at home but you are never sure starting off in that company, it can be tough,” said O’Brien.

“I said to Chris to educate her early and have her finishing off and she showed a big kick late on, you’d have to be very impressed with her.

“I’d say they went a nice gallop and that helped her to relax but still it’s always hard to win from anywhere behind mid-field here, especially on debut. She’s a nice filly.

“We felt like she was working like it was worth a shot and we thought that she’d learn a lot in the race.

“She’s an exciting filly for the future. After today you can look at things like the Breeders’ Cup, she’s an American-bred filly and she’s fast. She has a lot of options.”

O’Brien was earlier on the mark with Love Is Blind (8-1) under Wayne Hassett and Miracle Beauty (14-1) for Joey Sheridan, while at Listowel his Starford (11-8 favourite) gave Dylan Browne McMonagle a valuable winner as he attempts to hold off Colin Keane in the jockeys’ title race.