Dr Zempf put himself in line for a Classic tilt with victory in the Ballylinch Stud "Red Rocks" 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes at Leopardstown.
Always held in high regard by trainer Ger Lyons, the Dark Angel colt just missed out on a Group One in the Phoenix Stakes and while down the field on his final juvenile start in the Middle Park, he was only beaten less than three lengths.
Colin Keane was soon tracking Ryan Moore as Glounthaune took them along, and the well-backed 11-10 favourite hit the front a furlong and a half out.
The Acropolis finished strongly to get within half a length, but there was much to like about how the winner went about his business on his first try beyond six furlongs. Betfair and Paddy Power went 33-1 from 50s about his chance in the Qipco 2000 Guineas.
Dr Zempf is a game winner of the Listed @BallylinchStud "Red Rocks" 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes, finding plenty for pressure to hold on well under a great ride from @ctkjockey and scores for trainer Ger Lyons 🏆 pic.twitter.com/2T9G3DAkA0
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) April 2, 2022
Lyons said: "There should be plenty of improvement, there needs to be for where he is going.
"I'll talk to Peter (Brant, owner) now and and see what he thinks. He got there sooner than he wanted to be and then he just parked, he just does enough.
"I don't know how informative it was as a race, he should be winning and he probably should be winning it easier than that, but it's job done.
"That's what he tends to do at home as well, he just does enough. There should be plenty of improvement in him. Colin said he went for his girths at the two pole. We've left a good bit to work on, but he needs to improve.
"He's still in the pot for the Guineas, if we have a Guineas colt it's him."
