Saxon Warrior Filly Draws Clear In Ribblesdale Stakes

A step up in trip saw Garden Of Eden (3f Saxon Warrior – Komedy, by Kodiac) produce her most taking performance to date, as she strode clear in Thursday’s Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Listed-placed as a juvenile, the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly made a successful step up to ten furlongs in the Listed Oaks Trial last month and took on the mile and a half trip for the first time at Ascot. Tracking the leader under Ryan Moore, the Saxon Warrior filly led after the two furlong pole and was ridden clear to score by three and a quarter lengths.

“I was impressed with that,” O’Brien commented after his fourth winner of the week so far. “Garden Of Eden is getting better. We always thought stepping up in trip would help her. We stepped her up to a mile and a quarter the last day and she improved a lot.

“She's by Saxon Warrior, and when they go up in distance they do get better. The Irish Oaks would be a possibility but she could also go to America for a Grade 1 over there – we'll have to see.”

Moore echoed O’Brien’s sentiments, saying: “Garden Of Eden was very impressive. She has been gradually improving. Aidan kept saying every time she steps up, she will get better.”

Owned by Coolmore partners, Garden Of Eden was bought by Peter and Ross Doyle as a yearling for €200,000. The Saxon Warrior filly was bred by Mark and Stephanie Hanly and has a full-brother who sold for €250,000 as a foal last year.