Back To Brussels justified odds on favouritism when taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Race at Cork on Tuesday afternoon for owners Phoenix Thoroughbreds.

Ridden by jockey Chis Hayes, the daughter of Starspangledbanner travelled strongly throughout the 6 furlong contest.  Tracking the leaders Back To Brussels made her challenge over 1 furlong out, led going inside the final furlong and went on to win by an easy 3 lengths.

“I thought she was very well placed by Fozzy with that kind of rating to be getting weight off lesser rivals. It was a good confidence boost for her, she never had a moments worry. She settled well, got through the ground fine and hit the line good.

“Hopefully we can step her back up to black-type company. She deserves to win one — she was second here earlier on in the year. She is just unfortunate that she has bumped into a few.

“That will do her confidence the world of good. She was always a filly we held in high regard. It just took an age to get her spot on — she is a big filly and she was growing.”

“It took Fozzy all winter to get her right, but thankfully she’s right now. The key is just to get her settled. She could drop back to five furlongs in that sort of ground, so we’ll see what’s there for her.

“Hopefully we can get her to win a Listed race before the end of the year.” Chris Hayes.