3 minute read
Sir John Lavery turned in a most impressive display to win the Platinum Stakes at Cork.
Much was expected of the Galileo colt this year, but Aidan O'Brien's inmate had disappointed in two previous outings in England this season.
It all went his way in this one-mile Listed race, though, as the 5-2 favourite was produced off a generous pace set by stablemate Whitecliffsofdover to score by three lengths.
Rose De Pierre finished second for the Dermot Weld team, but she lacked the gears of the Seamie Heffernan-ridden winner and was well beaten.
The Ballydoyle handler said: "We thought he was a very smart horse but he disappointed in his two runs and obviously we were stretching him too far.
"He is from Hawk Wing's family and you'd be delighted with him.
"I'd say the ground wouldn't bother him but what he loves is the high tempo - going a mile and a half they were going a bit steady for him.
"We'll stick to that trip and he'll go back to Group level now.
"You'd also love to have him in training as a four-year-old as he's a fine, big, powerful horse."
Aidan and Donnacha O'Brien were on the mark earlier on the card when Magical (2-5 favourite) was a head too strong for Mary Tudor in the one-mile fillies' maiden.
The trainer said of the Galileo filly: "She was going to go to Goodwood during the week but it got very bad there.
"She is babyish and green still and won't mind anything from seven (furlongs) to a mile."
Pat Fahy expects Stormy Belle (8-1) to go on to better things after she easily won the seven-furlong fillies' handicap under Declan McDonogh.
Fahy said: "It was a nice pot and it was the reason I put her into the race and it worked out well.
"I have her well entered up and while she is in a Listed race at the Curragh, it is also easy change to another handicap.
"Without doubt she'll have no problem getting black type one day."