Well touted beforehand, the Richard Fahey-trained Tropical Island turned in a taking display to score on debut at Ripon on Saturday and become the latest first-crop winner for her sire Inns Of Court.
Her win came on the same day that another Inns Of Court 2yo, Zen Spirit, won his debut by six lengths in Poland.
Tropical Island was a pricey breezer, having been bought by Blandford Bloodstock on behalf of Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum for £135,000 at the Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale. And she lived up to that reputation on Saturday, travelling smoothly for Oisin Orr before quickening through a split to score easily as the 7/4 favourite.
"She missed the break and I had to ride a race on her," said Oisin Orr. "We went a good gallop and the last furlong was her best furlong, so hopefully she'll come on. She's a nice filly."
Robin O'Ryan, assistant to Richard Fahey, was also impressed.
"She's very professional," he said. "Oisin was pleased with her. She's a good moving filly, she did everything right today and we're pleased with her.
"She made a good price at the breeze-ups but it looks money well spent at the moment."
Bred by Richard Tucker, Tropical Island is out of Kodi Da Capo, a 2yo winner by our very own Kodiac. She joins multiple winners Eminny and Gray's Inn, as well as the stakes-placed Gaenari, as quality performers from the first crop of Inns Of Court.
