3 minute read
Aidan O’Brien continued his stranglehold on the Coolmore Stud Wootton Bassett Irish EBF Futurity Stakes when Henri Matisse quickened up smartly to land the Group 2 prize.
The son of Wootton Bassett, who arrived unbeaten following his success in the Group 2 Railway Stakes at the Curragh in June, was sent off the 5/6 favourite on his first outing over seven furlongs.
Aidan O'Brien's potential Classic contender raced lazily in the hands of Ryan Moore, but once asked to quicken, he professionally went about his job, pulling a length clear of Hotazhell crossing the line.
Paddy Power cut the winner to 10/1 from 12/1 for next year's 2000 Guineas. The same firm make Aidan O'Brien's Acomb Stakes hero The Lion In Winter their 7/1 favourite.
"I'm very happy with him. He's lazy and he quickens," said O'Brien. "That is what he was doing over six and when he can do it over seven, you would be delighted really. He has that turn of foot.
"He swerved when he got there. He's green and is still a baby obviously.
"The plan is to go for the National Stakes."
Later on the card, the same combination enjoyed further Group 2 glory when Bedtime Story stretched her unbeaten record to three in a workmanlike fashion.
The daughter of Frankel made a winning debut at Leopardstown in June before going on to land the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot by a stunning nine and a half lengths.
She remained unbeaten with a comfortable success in the Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown last time and was subsequently sent off a whopping 1/16 to complete the four-timer.
Many would have expected a sparkling performance, but Bedtime Story was required to dig deep under Ryan Moore before eventually prevailing by half a length from her stablemate Exactly.
We didn't want to go too fast today as it was a prep for the next day. She has a lot of speed early and Ryan was lovely on her as we didn't want to empty her out today," explained O'Brien.
"She needed to get down and race a little bit late, but we couldn't be happier really. She'll go for the Moyglare now."