Jessica Harrington has set her sights on Royal Ascot for Birdman following his impressive victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Yeats Stakes at Navan.

The Free Eagle gelding, who won on debut in a Cork maiden over a mile and a half in April, stepped up in both class and trip for his next outing. Competing over a mile and five furlongs at Listed level, the three-year-old, ridden by Shane Foley, was a 9-4 chance in a field of four.

Birdman was ridden patiently and comfortably took the lead in the final two furlongs to secure a length-and-a-quarter victory.

“It was a lovely run and it was great to see,” said Harrington. “It was only the second run of his life and we are delighted. Most likely he’ll go for the Queen’s Vase at Ascot, that’s the plan. We thought he would take the jump in class in his stride.”

Harrington highlighted Birdman’s adaptability, noting, “He goes on good ground and would go on quicker ground. I was a bit worried in Cork that it was a little bit too soft for him, but he coped with that. He’s a great big baby and he’s only a frame of a horse. He’s still a work in progress.”

Sounds Like A Plan Impresses for Andy Oliver

Andy Oliver’s Sounds Like A Plan also has higher ambitions after a decisive three-length win in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. The Night Of Thunder colt, ridden by Billy Lee, showed minimal greenness on debut, scoring at 5-1 and bringing Group targets into consideration.

“He’s a horse that at home does his work, eats, sleeps, and repeats,” Oliver said. “Credit to Molly who was leading up today; she rides him every day and just loves him. She does a great job. He had done everything we asked him, we never pushed him at home but he had come on and we felt he was ready for a run.”

Oliver was pleased with the colt’s performance. “He did it very well and was very straightforward. He was slightly green just when he was out on his own but, apart from that, very straightforward. Billy was very happy with him, so delighted with the performance.”

Looking ahead, Oliver mentioned potential targets. “There is the Marble Hill next week, but it might be a bit quick to come back. You never know, we will see. He has been engaged in the Railway Stakes, obviously with the possibility of going across the water. We’ll talk it out and make a plan.”