GERRY Keane has a fine prospect on his hands in Eloy D’amerval who confirmed the promise of his seven-furlong barrier trial success at this track two weeks previously with a smooth display in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden on an afternoon where the merits of barrier trials were amply advertised.

A strapping colt from the first crop of Cappella Sansevero and a half-brother to the Irish 1000 heroine Jet Setting, Eloy D’amerval did everything right for Robbie Colgan as he tried his hand at six furlongs. He travelled powerfully throughout, and when he had to knuckle down under pressure the well-backed 11/2 shot did so in willing style to defeat fellow barrier trial winner Johan Zoffani by a head.

“From day one he’s shown that he was a nice horse, and seven furlongs might actually suit him better than this trip,” said Keane, who trains the winner for his neighbour and long-time owner Francis Duffy.

“I’m sure the lads would like to sell him so we’ll see what happens, and if he’s not sold he’ll probably head for a winners’ race or a listed race next.”

Another successful barrier trial graduate was Valeria Messalina (9/1) who landed the seven-furlong Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden for unraced juveniles. The Anthony Rogers-owned Holy Roman Emperor half-sister to her classy stablemate Pincheck turned in a tremendously game effort from the front for Tom Madden. For much of the straight she was pressed by Now The King – runner-up to Eloy D’amerval in a barrier trial – but she held that one by a nose.

“She’s a lot like Pincheck in that she puts her head down and tries really hard for you. She’s a smashing, big filly and I’d image she could run again this year,” commented Jessica Harrington.

There was another nice type on show in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden where Fancy Blue (6/1) made a winning debut under Donnacha O’Brien. The daughter of Deep Impact, who is a half-sister to her trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Dewhurst Stakes third Smuggler’s Cove, got the better of the favourite Chasing The Dream late-on to prevail by half a length.

“She’s a nice filly with plenty of improvement in her and she will be a better filly next year,” reported the jockey.