Racecards
16:15 Curragh (IRE)
Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 7f
- Going: Good to Firm (Watered)
- Surface: Turf
- €300,000 added
- Winner: €174,000
- 2nd: €57,000
- 3rd: €27,000
- 4th: €9,000
- Form 3211
- Age 2
- Weight 9-3
- Official Rating 102
disputed lead early, took keen hold, soon raced in 2nd, led from 2f out, joined from 1 1/2f out, soon headed and 3rd from 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
- Form 4111
- Age 2
- Weight 9-3
- Official Rating 113
- Trainer A P O'Brien
- Jockey Joseph O'Brien
in rear, pushed along to close over 2f out, challenged and led under 1f out, soon edged right, stayed on well
- Form 313
- Age 2
- Weight 9-3
- Official Rating 104
- Trainer J S Bolger
- Jockey K J Manning
dwelt, soon raced in 3rd, pushed along under 3f out, dropped to 4th from 1f out, no extra and eased closing stages
- Form 613425
- Age 2
- Weight 9-3
- Official Rating 94
- Trainer A P O'Brien
- Jockey J A Heffernan
disputed lead early, soon led and clear, reduced lead and pushed along over 2f out, soon headed, dropped to rear from 1f out, no impression
- Form 32221
- Age 2
- Weight 9-3
- Official Rating 105
held up in 4th and took keen hold, closer order and switched right to challenge 2f out, on terms from 1 1/2f out, headed and kept on without matching winner from under 1f out
Verdict
GLENEAGLES should enhance his growing reputation though he'll be at short odds to do so. Aidan O'Brien's Galileo colt only appeared to be doing just enough in front when beating the fancied Verte De Grece in the Group Three Futurity over 7f here and the step-up in trip looks a natural progression for one of his yard's top prospects. Hall Of Fame was beaten over 4l by him in the Futurity but still looks a progressive type as does Dutch Connection, who looked ready for this trip when coming with a late burst to land the Group Three Acomb Stakes over 7f at York. Toscanelli has been beaten in three nurseries but Toscanini has some strong form though he's been racing over 6f and this is a big step-up in trip.
Formwatch
Dutch Connection 16-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and switched left over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, ran on to lead close home, won at York 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gf in Aug beating Toocoolforschool (9-1) by hd, 10 ran.
Gleneagles (IRE) 8-13fav (9-3) Tracked leaders in 3rd, switched right to inner to challenge 2f out, led 1 1/2f out, soon clear and drifted slightly left, reduced lead closing stages but always in command, won at Curragh 7f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Aug beating Vert De Grece (9-3) by 3/4l, 5 ran.
Hall Of Fame (IRE) 7-1 (9-3) Raced in 4th on outer, took keen hold, pushed along 2f out, 3rd and kept on same pace under pressure inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Gleneagles (9-3) at Curragh 7f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Aug.
Toscanelli (IRE) 4-1 (9-7) Tracked leader on outer in 2nd, led after 1f, ridden to try and assert 2 1/2f out, headed 1 1/2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 5th of 8, 2 3/4l behind Fit For The Job (9-5) at Tipperary 7f 2yo hcp gf in Aug.
Toscanini (IRE) 1-5fav (9-5) Held up behind leaders in 4th, went moderate 2nd 2f out, soon ridden, closed on leader 1f out, stayed on well to lead under pressure inside final furlong, won at Dundalk 6f 2yo mdn stks pol in Aug beating General Marshall (9-5) by 3/4l, 5 ran.