Hawk Wing further enhanced his burgeoning reputation with an impressive record-breaking victory in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon. Settled in at the rear in the early stages, the odds-on favourite moved up smoothly on the outside to take over just before the furlong pole, and went on to record a comfortable two-and-a-half length victory over Naheef.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien, clearly thrilled by the middle leg of a hat-trick for himself and Mick Kinane, and his sixteenth success at Group One level this season, admitted afterwards: "He's still a little bit green, but is a real class act. There is no panic over his immediate future, and we may well decide to leave him off for the season after that. He's got plenty of experience now, which is important for a two year-old." General bookmaker reaction to the victory, achieved in a brilliant 1 minute 20.9 seconds, was to make Hawk Wing a 10/1 shot for next year's Sagitta 2000 Guineas.
Salentino (4/5-1/1-9/10f) sparked off the Ballydoyle trio when repelling the persistent challenge of Colourfast to open his account at the second time of asking in the six furlong two year-old maiden. The Danehill colt was always well-placed, and was kept up to his work by Mick Kinane to score by three-quarters of a length.
Bringontheclowns (2/1-3/1-5/2) completed an excellent day for the champion trainer and his stable jockey when finally ending his run of seconds with a game effort in the seven furlong juvenile maiden. Last year's National Stakes winner Beckett was favourite for his first outing since in the Listed Solonaway Stakes, but was narrowly outpointed by Magic Cove. Con Collins' charge responded gamely to Pat Shanahan's urgings to prevail by a head after a protracted duel throughout the final furlong.
Dearly, one of three runners from the John Oxx stable, came out on top in an exciting finish to the Group 3 Blandford Stakes. The Rahy filly was produced with a perfectly timed challenge by Fran Berry to defeat Affianced by three-quarters of a length, with Molomo an unlucky fourth after repeatedly being denied a clear run in the straight. Oxx confirmed: "I thought she might be the best of ours, as she has been working well lately. Johnny (Murtagh, who partnered Josh's Pearl) generously suggested Fran have the mount as he has ridden her before and they get on well."
Miss Beabea is a possible for the Goffs Autumn Bonus at Cork next weekend after deservedly landing the Listed Blenheim Stakes. The well-supported 11/4 shot had performed very creditably at Group One level on her last two starts and made the most of the drop in grade to see off Alluring Park by one-and-a-half lengths.
Diamond Trim benefited from the step up to one mile four furlong when capturing the valuable EBF Fillies Handicap in great style, handing out a three-length beating to Veronica Cooper and Masnada. Trainer Dermot Weld admitted afterwards: "I thought she'd win if she got the trip - she's been very consistent all year." The trainer, who will now attempt to obtain some black type for the improving filly, added that no decision on Vinnie Roe's participation in the Melbourne Cup will be made for a few days.
Lady Semillon swooped fast and late under Colm O'Donoghue to collar Queen For A Day close home in the seven furlong handicap.
Filed by Shane Murray
