Precise rediscovered her brilliance and Ballydoyle is already dreaming of another filly for the ages
- Turf Diario
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
The daughter of Starspangledbanner crushed stablemate True Love in the Irish 1000 Guineas (G1) and now heads toward Epsom carrying the aura of a genuine superstar
The one who had dazzled the European racing world last season. The one who demolished her rivals in the Fillies’ Mile (G1). The one her trainer, Aidan O’Brien, once described as “unique” and unlike any other filly he had ever trained.
And she emphatically confirmed all of it this Sunday in the Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas (G1) at The Curragh.
Delivering a devastating performance, the daughter of Starspangledbanner crushed favorite True Love (No Nay Never), gaining overwhelming revenge for the defeat she had suffered just three weeks earlier in the 1000 Guineas Stakes (G1) at Newmarket.
That afternoon she had finished five lengths behind.
This time she not only erased the deficit—she added another 2 1/2 lengths to it while producing the sort of dominant victory capable of completely changing the perception surrounding a filly.
Because Precise did not simply win: she annihilated the field.
And she did it while giving the impression there was still plenty left in reserve.
The race had appeared to revolve around True Love, brilliant winner at Newmarket and even chosen by Ryan Mooreahead of her stablemate.
A perfectly logical decision, at least on paper.
But Ballydoyle once again demonstrated the staggering depth of its classic filly division.
With Wayne Lordan aboard, Precise traveled comfortably and once she emerged wide on the outside with 200 meters remaining, the outcome was decided within seconds.
She unleashed a brutal acceleration, swept past True Love as though she were standing still, and powered clear to the wire with breathtaking authority.
“This morning Roger Quinlan, who rides her every day, told me she was a completely different filly from the one we saw at Newmarket,” explained O’Brien afterward. “Wayne gave her a perfect ride and we’re delighted. She took a huge step forward.”
The trainer also defended Moore’s choice.
“It was very difficult for Ryan not to choose True Love. At Newmarket he hadn’t ridden her because we weren’t certain she would stay the mile, but she proved it there. Precise had only finished five lengths behind, which isn’t actually that much for a filly of this type.”
Then came the quote that generated the biggest reaction of all.
“She’s seriously good. As good as any filly we’ve ever had.”
Powerful words, even coming from O’Brien.
Especially considering the collection of champions that has passed through Ballydoyle over recent decades.
The performance immediately opened the door toward an even bigger challenge: the Epsom Oaks (G1).
According to the trainer himself, discussions had already begun during the drive to the racetrack regarding the possibility of attempting the Curragh-Epsom double, something a Ballydoyle filly has not achieved since Imagine (Sadler’s Wells) 25 years ago.
“There’s a lot of stamina in the pedigree and Ryan felt today she moved like a filly wanting even farther,” O’Brien explained.
And judging by the way she finished, it is difficult to disagree.
Because Precise looked as though she would never stop running.
In fact, the sensation was that another furlong might only have increased the margin further.
And if she truly handles Epsom’s mile and a half without issue, Ballydoyle may suddenly have another elite candidate for October’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) at ParisLongchamp.
Meanwhile, Lordan continued maximizing every major opportunity that comes his way.
Asked whether he had been disappointed to lose the mount on True Love, he responded naturally:
“It didn’t bother me too much because I knew I still had a very good ride in the race.”
And what a ride it turned out to be.
Now the question becomes whether he will retain the mount at Epsom or whether Moore ultimately opts for early Oaks favorite Amelia Earhart (Camelot).
Luxury problems for Ballydoyle.
And yet another star emerging from O’Brien’s vast empire, as the master trainer secured his 13th victory in the Irish 1000 Guineas (G1).
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