Monbeg Zena proved herself to be one of the standout winning pointing mares’ when taking a very competitive looking race at Ballinaboola on debut. Unlike many mares’ maidens, there was no hiding places in this race with a searching gallop set from flag fall which ensured that the field was well strung out. A mark of this was the performance of Delgany Lass, a mare who was beaten by just a length at Tinahely in a weaker race on her most recent run entering this contest. However she was unable to ever get into a challenging position owing to this gallop and trailed in 35-lengths in arrears of the winner. This mare has since run again, finishing a close second, beaten just a length on her very next start to show that this was race was a clear level above the standard mares’ maidens. After making steady ground to come from off the pace, well-bred daughter of Flemensfirth hit the front in between the final two fences, before a slow leap at the last forced to worker harder for success than had looked likely. The form has already taken a notable boost in the few weeks since the race has taken place. The runner-up, Kygo, was at least 30-lengths clear on her very next start when coming down at the penultimate fence with the race appearing to be in the bag. The fourth-placed Uisce Ur, who was beaten 18-lengths, has further franked the form by winning her maiden on her very next start. With this looking a particularly maiden performance, Monbeg Zena, a full sister to Sizing Gold who finished second behind Gold Cup winner Don Cossack before placing at Grade 2 novice level over hurdles and fences, has to be seen as a potential black type performer in the making.
Consignor: Monbeg Stables (Sean Doyle)