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Estrange produced a superb performance to record his first career Group One success in the Tattersall’s Pretty Polly Stakes at Carragh.
There was plenty of pre-race attention surrounding Oaks heroine Thundering On, but Estrange (13/8) was not without her supporters and likewise two furlongs from the mile-and-a-quarter showpiece with Joseph O’Brien’s filly.
Both rode patiently, but it was Danny Tudhope, David O’Meara’s near-white five-year-old, who got the best response so far and he ran away a convincing length-and-a-half from One Look.
North Yorkshire-based O’Meara said: “A wonderful mare. She might have been a bit wide, but it looked like it was a pretty smooth ride for Danny. There’s a big age allowance for three-year-olds, so I didn’t know if that would tell over the last half hill.
“He traveled beautifully at two (furlong poles). Going back in trip was certainly not a negative; it could have been his build. Maybe we’re running him at the wrong trip!
“I’m delighted today, delighted for Chevley Park (Stud, owners). They’ve been sending me horses for over a decade now and it’s brilliant for them.”
Coral has cut Estrange from 20/1 to 12/1 for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, a race he was forced to miss last year with a dirty chance. Paddy Power quotes 7/1 to 7/2 about the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.
O’Meara said: “We wanted to go for the arc and he got the entry. It was important that he got a Group One win under his belt and he did that in good style today.
“We’ll enjoy it and figure out where we go next.”
Surya Devi shines on the changing Curragh quickly
Suryadev did enough to make a quick return to action in the Airlie Stud Stakes at the Curragh.
Aidan O’Brien tracked Beibin and Bell Off the Ball before finishing second to Libertango in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, before bowing out to take charge of the Group Two contest.
Green Empress gained late but was three-quarters of a length the 2/7 favorite at the line, five lengths in arrears when the pair met here last month.
Sun Goddess, ridden by Ryan Moore, won the Airlie Stud Stakes
O’Brien said: “We were running him back quickly, so we didn’t really know. He’s a lovely filly and we’ll give him a bit of time now.
“He just got hung up on a bit of speed (at Ascot). Ryan said he had to fight early and the winner was locked at the back and came at the end of the race. You know that way.
“He’s very classy. A great traveler. He’s still a kid. I think Moiglaire will suit. I think he’s going to stay and be comfortable enough to go up to seven (furlongs).
“He seems good after Ascot. There was a race there this weekend and it’s a beautiful field. All things appropriate.”
Giant Sequoia makes no mistake when asked a second time
Giant Sequoia took part in taking the Baronstown Stud Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden at the Curragh.
Beaten in third place at odds of 4/9 on his debut here, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Frankel colt was similarly priced to show the benefit of that experience and duly did so with minimal fuss, moving into top gear over two furlongs before tracking down Bull Shark.
Pushing nicely from there, Ryan Moore’s mount was two-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of fellow Ballydoyle runners Oklahoma and Shakespeare.
O’Brien – who won the race in 2023 – said: “He had a lovely run here on the first day and came on beautifully. He’s a lovely big horse. You’ll be delighted with him. I couldn’t be happier.
“He’ll have no problem staying at seven (furlongs); he’ll have no problem going up to a mile. He’ll only get better. He’s a big, strong horse.”
Meriden has been on a great run for Dennis Hogan and Neville Holmes made it a four-timer with an emphatic win under Chris Hayes in the Summer Fillies Handicap.
Giant Sequoia, ridden by Ryan Moore, on his way to victory in the Curragh
Hogan said of the 7/2 joint-favourite: “He almost won on the first day (57), but has stepped up every day. I don’t think he’ll be back to that grade (0-60) anytime soon. He’s stepped up from race to race and is in good form. His real good temperament helps that.
“He’s done four races in a month and is a real improver.”
After landing the Apprentice Derby on Friday night, trainer Jonny Murtagh won ‘Derby’ gold again, this time with Fixation in the Reserve Ladies’ Derby Handicap. Driven by Georgie Benson, the 2/1 favorite won by four lengths.
Murtagh said: “Two derbies in two days; I’ve got no runner in one tomorrow! He’s a great little horse, this lad.
“I thought she was a bit unlucky with a better run last time. Shane (Reville, part-owner) called me a few weeks ago and said ‘I think we should go for the Ladies Derby’.
“It’s his first horse with me, but he’s a good friend of mine. He helps me with form when I ride. He’s pretty sharp.
“Shane and the boys bought this horse and sent him to me. It’s great for them to win here on Irish Derby weekend.
“The horses are running really well. They’re hitting the boards and that’s all you can do. I’ve got a great team around me.”
