Dorset delivers victory full of promise at the Curragh

Aidan O’Brien was to the fore in the Barronstown Stud Irish EBF at the Curragh, as Dorset led home stablemate Benvenuto Cellini to open his account at the second attempt.

A son of Wootton Bassett who cost €400,000 as a yearling, he was beaten half a length by fellow Ballydoyle inmate Amadeus Mozart over the same course and distance on debut earlier this month, but the 4-9 favourite was much more streetwise on this occasion to register a length and a half success in the hands of Ryan Moore.

Dorset joins O’Brien’s City Of Troy on the roll of honour for the seven-furlong contest and although he has some way to go before being mentioned in the same breath as the Derby winner, his victory was one of huge potential.

O’Brien said: “He’s a straightforward, lovely horse. He came forward from his first start and he will get further. We’re very happy.

“He’s obviously a Group horse and he’ll be very comfortable when he goes up to a mile. He could go to the Tyros, the Futurity or he could go for the Pat Smullen race – that’s up to a mile.

“The second horse (Benvenuto Cellini) will be a nice maiden next time, he did everything right.”

Joseph O’Brien’s Trustyourinstinct finished second to Jan Brueghel in the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai International Stakes In Honour Of Kevin Prendergast 12 months ago and went one better this time to follow up his Orby Stakes victory at the track last month.

The 4-9 favourite proved too strong for Noel Meade’s Layfayette who was three-and-a-quarter lengths adrift of Dylan Browne McMonagle’s mount in second.

“He turns up and runs his race every day. He’s a multiple stakes winner and he loves the Curragh,” said O’Brien.

“Up in class and down in trip today, with a penalty, it wasn’t an easy task and I actually thought he was impressive.

“I’d say it’s right up there with him at his very best. He won here the last day but he kind of fought it out and he outstayed them on the day. Today he showed a little bit of a turn of foot off the bend.

“I’m sure he’ll travel somewhere in the Autumn, he could go to Australia. He has loads of options for good pots.”