WATCH FREE

Keane delighted to see Babouche bounce back to form

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Wed 21 May 2025

Colin Keane was thrilled to see Babouche return to something like her best at Naas on Sunday.

The Ger Lyons-trained filly had beaten the colts in the Phoenix Stakes as a two-year-old but did not repeat that form in the Cheveley Park at Newmarket or on her return to action this season at Cork.

With the benefit of that run under her belt, she needed to take a big step forward up against Aidan O’Brien’s Whistlejacket but she did so, oozing class to win by two and three-quarter lengths.

“It was great to see her back. She went to Cork and we knew she’d need it,” said Keane.

“She ran OK, she ran well without getting carried away but she did need to improve taking on Aidan’s colt.

“Her last couple of bits of work between Cork and Naas were nice but she felt back to her old self.

“I suppose the conversation, having won a Group One last year – which was a great thing to have done – we weren’t sure if she was going to train on. If she wasn’t up to doing something like she did at Naas, there maybe would have been a conversation to have, so to see her do that was great.”

Babouche is now 5-1 second-favourite for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot behind Shadow Of Light.

Under The Radar: Paddy Magee nominates three to follow

Ross Millar's Monday tips: "he is undeniably well handicapped"

Bond Thoroughbreds: the inside track on their top team

Trustyourinstinct flies home to land Curragh Cup

Grade One-winning jockey Henry Brooke forced into retirement due to injury

Featured offers

Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

New UK customers. Place a £10 real money bet at min. 2.0 odds within 5 days of deposit. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 Single, 2 Accas & 1 Bet Builder (min. 3 selections each). Excludes cashout, E/W, Multis, Ineligible Markets & Odds Boosts. Credited after bet settlement. 7-day expiry. T&Cs apply. 18+ | GambleAware

Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with BallyBet

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

New members only, must opt in. Deposit & bet min. £10 within 30 days at min. 1/2 odds, excl. odds & profit boost. Free Bets: 3 x £10 tokens (odds & bet leg restrictions apply), non-withdrawable, issued on settlement, valid 30 days, stake not returned. T&Cs: www.ballycasino.co.uk/terms. Play Responsibly. GambleAware.org. 18+ #AD

Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

Coral: Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50

Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

TalkSportBet: Bet £10 get £30 in Horse Racing Free Bets

Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

Boyle Sports: Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports

Please bet responsibly

My Account

Home

Watch

Live

Replays

On Demand

Catch Up

Tv Schedule

RTV Play Schedule

Racecards

Today's Runners

Non-Runners

Tommorow's Runners

Racing Calendar

Results

Tips

Racing TV Tipsters

Nap Of The Day

News

All

Latest

Highlights

Columnists