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Constitution River advertised his star quality when leading Aidan O’Brien in a one-two-three in the Prix du Jockey Club.
The impressive D Stakes winner’s Classic target has been the subject of much discussion in recent weeks, but the Ballydoyle master stayed true to his initial impression that Chantilly’s 10 furlongs would prove perfect for the son of Wootton Bassett, who was justified in style.
A tough draw at stall 15 out of 16, O’Brien predicted a tactical affair, but as Montreal and Hawk Mountain surged forward in the early going, Ryan Moore kept Constitution River wide open before shadowing his teammates, it was the Irish forwards who began to dominate.
As Montreal led the Coolmore-owned trio in the straight, eyes on Michael Tabor silks were always trained on Moore as he told his mount to quicken and he smartly led home Hawk Mountain into second and did not dishonor the pacemaking Montreal into third.
O’Brien, winning the race for the third time, said: “We’re delighted and a lot of people work hard day in and day out to make this happen.
“I knew the three guys (jockeys) were talking before the race and communicating very well and everything was clear in their minds about what was going to happen, but obviously when they go out they make up their own minds and whatever happens.
“Ryan had a very tough draw and we thought it would be very difficult for him because he (Constitution River) is still a kid and very green. He went to Chester and won easily with some comfort on the ground so it’s always going to be a different scenario for him on the fast ground.”
Constitution River was made the 5-2 joint favorite alongside Ombudsman for Eclipse by race sponsor Coral, but while O’Brien refused to drop the race, he hinted that a patient approach could be taken with the talented colt, who was made 10-1 from 16s for the same firm’s Prix de l’Arc.
“He’s a big horse and he won’t be rushed into the summer and I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re gentle with him and take some time with him before his next race,” added O’Brien.
“It was a tough race today and those horses fought in the straight. The guys will make a decision and talk things over with MV (Magnier) and then he’ll talk to me. I’d imagine they’ll take their time and he’ll have a bit of summer off and come back for one of those Arc trials or something in the fall.
“Ryan said the way he rode him before the race, a mile, a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half would be fine. Obviously we learned today that he’s still a kid and we’ll see where we go. Ryan said he’ll definitely go further.
“Obviously if he comes out of the race really well, Coral-Eclipse is the race that guys often run those good three-year-olds, so I won’t say anything in or out, but we’ll see how he is.”
O’Brien’s French Derby one-to-three comes 10 years after Found led home stablemates Highland Reel and Order of St George in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which was run at Chantilly that year.
O’Brien said of another important achievement in France: “The lads had some good horses to split between here and Epsom and it was logical to do it with the horses that came here. It’s unbelievable when it happens and you’d never believe it could happen and it’s unbelievable for Michael (Tabor) and Derrick (Smith) to be here.
“We always look at the races with one eye closed and then open them up as they go on and see what’s happened, so it’s really incredible and a lot of effort goes into every day. I’m delighted for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Moore is predicting more from his mount after being hailed atop the winner for his tactically smart ride.
He said: “We thought a lot about him, the draw was a bit of a concern but I knew I had a very good horse and I believe a horse like him will overcome it because he’s very straightforward, great pace and a good temperament and gets the trip well – I’d say he’s a really special horse.
“He may go to the trip at some point in his career, but he’ll be comfortable coming back to the trip and he’ll be comfortable going further – he’s a pretty rare horse.”
