MODE'S RIGHT ON TREND FOR BILLY

Karl Hedley picks out highlights from a busy month's racing in Ireland

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The Flat season is now in full swing here and whilst there are still national hunt meetings taking place, I shall be concentrating on horses who look as though they may have major seasons ahead of them on the level.

The first Classics of the year are already behind us, but with the likes of the Derby and Royal Ascot still to come, there is plenty to look forward to. I shall be reviewing some of the performances that have already caught the eye over the last month in Ireland and examine those horses who look to have decent prospects going forward.

Expensive breeze-up purchase Ceo Stealth Mode was the heavily-backed winner of Sligo's Median Auction Maiden, scoring on debut for jockey Billy Lee and trainer Paddy Twomey.

Purchased at Arqana's Breeze-up Sale for 150,000, the son of Calyx chased the leaders and quickened well to lead inside the final furlong. He scored easily by four lengths from runner-up Chester Nimitz

Twomey reported: "It's hard to win around here first time out and he looked to be learning on the job. Hopefully he will continue to improve. The trip (5f 208yds) is probably a minimum: it's a stiff six here and he will have no trouble going out in trip."

Beset was indeed troubled with a nightmare passage through a Fillies Handicap later on the same card over 10 furlongs, but the UK-import found late racing-room to score on her Irish debut, under Declan McDonogh.

A winner of her previous start for trainer Henry Candy at Wolverhampton last October, Beset was purchased later that month for 25,000gns and debuted for trainer Joseph O'Brien and the Blake, Palmer, Wilson and Luck partners.

The held-up 4yo filly made progress entering the home straight but was hemmed in on the inside until leader Fratas edged left inside the final furlong, allowing the winner through to score over a length.