Well-supported Callisto Dream delivers on debut for PJ McDonald and Ed Bethell

PJ McDonald helped Callisto Dream make a successful debut in the 6f fillies’ novice. 

The €38,000 yearling purchase was available at 5-1 in the morning but was backed in to 11-4 favouritism and Ed Bethell’s newcomer justified that strong support when scoring by two and a half lengths from the more experienced Thecla. The daughter of Kodi Bear was Bethell’s fourth juvenile winner of the season.

“We haven’t done a whole lot at home with her," McDonald told Racing TV. “We knew she was okay, but we haven’t pressed a lot of buttons, so for her to come and do that first time out, there’s plenty of improvement left.”

McDonald brought up a double when steering Epidavros to victory in the mile handicap. 

The 14-1 shot vindicated Katie Scott’s decision to drop her to a mile for the first time since joining the trainer from Dave Loughnane, keeping on well to score by a length and a quarter.

Worthwhile trip

Callum Shepherd was last of eight aboard The Feminine Urge in the 6f handicap, won by Stirrup Cup, on his first ride at the track in 2024. 

South Pole scores under Callum ShepherdCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

However, the jockey made the rare trip to Cumbria worthwhile when helping South Pole get off the mark on his third start for George Boughey in the 1m3f maiden. The gelding was purchased for 130,000gns from Coolmore last October. 

Improving Inanna

Inanna continued her progression since joining Jim Goldie, following her stable debut third at Ayr and runner-up effort at Musselburgh last time with victory in the 5f handicap under Paul Mulrennan.

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