Grand Marques the ace in Abergwaun pack

Grand Marques could make the leap to Group One company on Irish Champions Weekend after a front-running success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Abergwaun Stakes at Tipperary.

Group Three-placed last year as a juvenile, Fozzy Stack’s charge had fallen short when tried in a grade higher this term but dropped back to Listed level, she was in the front rank throughout in the hands of Seamie Heffernan.

Erosandpsyche proved her main rival in the last of the five furlongs, but Grand Marques had a little extra in reserve and eventually ran out a half-length winner as an 8-1 shot.

Stack is now looking towards the Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on September 14.

He said: “She had the right draw (stall 14) today and was able to get to the stands’ side rail, which was a big help. Nothing really bothered her in front and he (Heffernan) was able to sit until a furlong and a half down.

“If they all did what she did, a Listed winner and Group Three-placed, we’d be all right and today’s race was a win-and-you’re-in for the Flying Five Stakes. We have nothing to lose and all those sprinters seem to be beating each other this year.”

Endorsement (evens favourite) built on a debut second by claiming the Camas Park Irish EBF Maiden for Aidan O’Brien and Wayne Lordan.

The Wootton Bassett colt, who hails from the family of Group One winner Johannes Vermeer, briefly looked as though he might have to settle for the runner-up prize again as Limestone made a good battle of it, but Endorsement found the required extra and was pulling away again as he crossed the line a length and three-quarters to the good.

Stablemate Christmas Day finished fifth on his racecourse bow after making the early running.

O’Brien’s representative Chris Armstrong said: “It looked to be a lovely maiden and some of them were coming in with good runs previously. Both our horses had good runs so it was a difficult decision for Wayne to make and he said he had a messy trip the whole way, as he was wide.

“In fairness once he got him straightened up and balanced, his last furlong was his best part and he really hit the line well.

“He will now go into all those nice staying races towards the backend, although the Beresford might come too soon. He is still babyish, so will come on mentally and physically and could run next in the Zetland Stakes in Newmarket, and maybe then on to the Group Ones in France.”

The Ballydoyle team doubled up with Mississippi River (6-4 favourite) in the Glenvale Stud Race, edging out Bravais by a head.

Armstrong added: “He is in a handicap at Leopardstown (Sovereign Path Handicap, Champions Weekend), where he would carry a winner’s penalty, so we’ll see how he comes out of it. He has good form around Leopardstown and it is a good pot.”