Classic contenders are popping up all over and Dermot Weld unleashed overnight at Navan for Aga Khan Studs in the Group III Salsabil Stakes (1m2f) at Navan.
Dubawi filly Ezeliya had two runs last year for a fourth and a win in maiden company in Ireland, but has taken a lot of improvement during her down time.
Ridden by Chris Hayes, she was too good for the favourite Purple Lily in scoring by half a length.
“Ezeliya planned to sit a bit closer, but they went a very good gallop and he waited. I was particularly happy with how she attacked the hill. Better ground will suit. She's in both Oaks, we'll review it and see,” said Dermot Weld.
Ezeliya is the second winner and first stakes-winner for multiple Group winning Teofilo mare Eziyra, who was also placed in both the Group I Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks. Her stakes-placed grand-dam Eytarna is a sibling to three Group I winning stayers Enzeli and Estimate, who both won the Royal Ascot Gold Cup and Ebadiyla, who won the Irish Oaks.
Ezeliya is the 271st SW for Dubawi and is the 37th for Teofilo as a broodmare sire, the nick also producing dual Group I winning 3YO Coroebus.
