Thoroughbred Third For Pursuits

Pursuits finished third in the six-furlong Group Three TBV Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington, Australia, on Saturday, March 14.

The two-year-old Lonhro filly, trained by John O'Shea and partnered by James Doyle, was blinkered for the first time and raced a bit keenly when a close second towards the far side.

Pursuits was third with two and a half furlongs to race and shortly afterwards was momentarily outpaced and slightly hampered.

Switched out off the rail, she kept on strongly and was beaten a short neck and two and a quarter lengths by winner Pasadena Girl, whose time was 1m10.55s on good ground, and second Air Apparent.

John O'Shea commented: "Pursuits ran outstandingly, but just got to the worst part of the track on the fence as it was a distinct disadvantage being on the rail.

"In the straight, she balanced up and attacked the line strongly and ran into a Group Two placing; so it was a really good performance."