THE feature race on Leopardstown’s Thursday card, the Group 3 Stanerra Stakes, was won in impressive fashion by Believe in Love (103+) as Roger Varian’s British raider put her disappointing York performance behind her and now looks set for further success as the season progresses.

Ronan Whelan produced the daughter of Make Believe on the home turn and once the duo hit the front, the race was over as a contest. Although the closing three-furlong sectional of 37.71 seconds was bettered by fellow card winners Mosala (93; 36.59s) and Chiricahua (97; 36.85s) the early pace set by High Heels and Sherbert Lemon produced a much quicker overall race time when adjusted for distance. The Lillie Langtry at the Qatar Goodwood Festival looks an ideal next assignment.

Federica Sophia (100) finished the closest to the winner without ever looking likely to mount a serious challenge. The Moyglare Stud Farm-owned filly was held up in last in her first-time visor and in finishing off in 37.83 seconds, proved her stamina over the extra two furlongs. I would prefer her chances of winning by giving weight away in a handicap rather than contesting pattern company again.

Mosala reversed form with Tauran Shaman (92; 36.54s) from earlier in the season, but both showed they are still in good form and progressing as the they fought out the finish of the mile-and-a-quarter Nasrullah Handicap.

The overall race time portrayed that the early pace was slow, but as the first two were probably over racing slightly in midfield they may well have been better served by a stronger pace.

The run of third-placed Georgeville (95) is also worth closer inspection as the Ger Lyons-trained gelding was momentarily short of room approaching the furlong pole which, although not the difference between winning and losing, contributed to the distance beaten.

Colin Keane’s winning turn was not long in coming though as he partnered Chiricahua to an all-the-way win in the Green Room Handicap.

The Champion Jockey set perfect fractions to ensure the Camelot gelding had energy in reserve to produce a closing sectional of 36.85 seconds which proved too strong for Iowa (94; 36.89s) and Soaring Sky (93;36.84s) who, despite being held up in the run slightly, were both also strong at the finish.

Twilight Calls, Friday 9th July, Newmarket – (95+) cruised through the race winning a shade cosily which is even more impressive given the closing three-furlong sectional of 32.33 seconds was by far the fastest of the meeting.

Significantly, Saturday 10th July, Ascot – (95) may have only won a short head but as he had crossed the track from a low draw can be rated slightly higher. Hurricane Ivor (95) took the direct route from stall two and was four lengths in advance of his closest pursuer on his side of the track.

Aaddeey, Saturday 10th July, York – (90+) was disadvantaged by a wide draw and the run of the race but finished strongly, posting a closing three-furlong sectional of 35.62 seconds that was faster than the winner (35.84 seconds) Johnny Drama.

Gin On Lime, Saturday 10th July, Limerick – (139+) dismissed her rivals with consummate ease as her odds suggested and, in doing so, also recorded a first win right-handed, the graded novices’ chase at Galway looks within her compass.