Ice-cool Arctic impresses

The Tracey Collins-trained Arctic maintained his unbeaten record with an impressive success in the Grangecon Stud Stakes at the Curragh.The Shamardal colt was sent off at 11-4 having made a winning debut at Bellewstown at the start of the month, and travelled well throughout under Pat Shanahan.Once given his office, the grey colt stretched right away from his rivals, passing the post five lengths clear of Sole Power.Collins said: "Arctic is a very well bred horse and has plenty of ability. He's always been a very smart two-year-old from the day we got hold of him, he's always been a natural athlete and we've always thought an awful lot of him."We had to bring him to Bellewstown, which wasn't ideal for him, in order to get him a run today but he learned a lot from the experience."Collins and Shanahan teamed up to good effect again in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Sweet Mimosa Stakes with Girouette proving too good for her rivals.The 7-2 chance quickened to the lead over a furlong from home and the result looked in little doubt thereafter as she only had to be kept up to her work to beat Perfect Polly by a length and three-quarters.It was the third leg of a treble on the card for Shanahan having hit the mark with the Edward Harty-trained Tovaria in the opening Save 20% Booking On www.curragh.ie Handicap.Collins said: "She deserved that win. Pat gave her a super ride and I'm delighted for my owners as they have been patient with us while my yard had been enduring a quiet spell."She is a beautifully-bred filly and now she has got some black type, she has done her job."