Armory was progressing well before coming up against the impressive Pinatubo in the National Stakes at the Curragh. The Ballydoyle colt attempts a mile for the first time but VICTOR LUDORUM has won both starts over today’s trip including here on his debut. Andre Fabre’s colt is raised in class but has yet to be asked a question and it would be no surprise if he’s good enough at this level. Ecrivain is also unbeaten having got the better of a subsequent winner in a Group 3 over track and trip and is preferred to Listed winner Helter Skelter, the improving Kenway and Chachnak. Frankie is on board the German raider Alson, though the latter is also engaged at Cologne today.
Chachnak (FR) (8-13) won at Lyon-Parilly 1m stks gs in Sep beating Thunderspeed (9-2) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Alson (GER) (9-0) won at Baden-Baden 7f Grp 3 stks gd in Aug beating Well Of Wisdom (9-2) by 2l, 10 ran.
Victor Ludorum (8-13) won at Chantilly 1m stks gd in Sep beating Dexter (8-8) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Kenway (FR) (8-13) won at ParisLongchamp 7f Grp 3 gd in Sep beating Wooded (8-13) by shd, 8 ran.
Helter Skelter (FR) (8-13) won at Deauville 1m lst stks sft in Aug beating Saqqara King (8-13) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Armory (IRE) 10-3 (9-3) Soon chased leaders, 6th 3f out, pushed along over 2f out and headway, soon no impression, chased winner inside final furlong, one pace, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Pinatubo (9-3) at Curragh 7f Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Sep.
Ecrivain (FR) (9-2) won at ParisLongchamp 1m Grp 3 gd in Sep beating Hopeful (9-2) by 1l, 5 ran.