James Toller was today at a loss to explain Hanami’s poor showing in yesterday’s Darley Irish Oaks in which the Hernando filly finished last of the 11 runners under champion jockey Kieren Fallon.
“We haven’t found anything yet which might suggest the reason why she ran so badly,” the Newmarket trainer said.
“She’s eaten up well and scoped well. We have taken some blood for testing and the results aren’t yet available but I doubt they will show anything.
“Kieren said she might have swallowed her tongue and that is a possibility but there was nothing illness wise that we could see.”
Toller, who was happy with his charge prior to the Classic, admitted the most frustrating thing about her performance was her inability to prove herself over yesterday’s trip.
“I think the most disappointing thing is we are none the wiser about whether she gets a mile and a half because she was clearly out of the reckoning at the mile.
“I was sure she was in good form before the race and I think the ground was fine so I really have to put that down to experience.
“We’ll see how things go over the next few days before we make any decisions over future plans.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Balding was delighted with the performance of Vodafone Oaks heroine Casual Look who finished a length and a half third to Vintage Tipple in yesterday’s Curragh showpiece.
“She hasn’t arrived home yet but by all accounts she’s very well,” the Kingsclere trainer said this morning.
“The Yorkshire Oaks is the next obvious target but I need to speak to the owners so nothing is set in stone,” he added.