Henri Matisse firmly in Guineas picture following return strike

Henri Matisse finished with a flourish to make a winning start to his three-year-old campaign in the Ballylinch Stud “Red Rocks” Stakes at Leopardstown.

The Wootton Bassett colt took high rank in the juvenile division last season, winning four of his six starts including victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar.

Making his first competitive appearance since his success in California in early November, Henri Matisse had to concede 3lb to each of his rivals in this seven-furlong Group Three and was a 6-4 favourite under Ryan Moore come the off.

It was not entirely plain sailing for the market leader, with Moore having to get to work as the speedy Arizona Blaze set sail for home from the top of the straight.

But while the leader faltered in the closing stages on his first attempt at the distance, Henri Matisse was just getting going and swooped fast and late to beat Comanche Brave by half a length, with Arizona Blaze the same distance further behind in third.

Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “He wants to get there late and when he gets there, he waits.

“He did well because it was a good gallop and he’s going to improve fitness wise. You would have to be happy with him.

“Ryan said he was a little bit shocked as our horses are only doing half-speeds at home. On the quick ground, they went a good gallop and Ryan said he’d definitely be more comfortable going up to a mile.”

Coral trimmed Henri Matisse’s odds for the Betfred 2000 Guineas at Newmarket to 12-1 from 16-1 and O’Brien added: “We couldn’t let them all go to the Guineas first time out, so that’s why we had to start them earlier.

“He’s obviously a very smart horse and does quicken very well. He’ll improve plenty.”