Aesop's Fables was cut for next year’s 2000 Guineas after winning the Galileo Irish EBF Futurity Stakes at the Curragh in authoritative fashion.
Aidan O’Brien ran two in the Group Two event over seven furlongs and it surprised some than Ryan Moore was on Aesop’s Fables over the Frankel colt Hans Andersen given his chosen mount had won over five furlongs back in April.
And on entering the final furlong it appeared Moore had got it wrong as Hans Andersen took over at the head of affairs from Donnacha O’Brien’s Proud And Regal.
Surprisingly for a horse who had won over the minimum trip and is by No Nay Never, Aesop’s Fables was caught momentarily flat footed and had a good three lengths to make up.
However, when Moore got him levelled up Aesop’s Fables found a very taking change of gear and he powered clear to win by two and a quarter lengths as a 3-1 shot.
It's three of the best for Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien as the Aesop's Fables brings up the treble for the day in the Group 2 Galileo Irish EBF Futurity Stakes. 🥇@Ballydoyle @IrishEBF_ pic.twitter.com/zqWI3VFm3p
— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) August 20, 2022
"He had a little setback after winning at Navan and was a long time off. He’s a big, strong powerful horse and is built like a sprinter," said O’Brien.
"He travelled well and I was a bit worried going up to seven (furlongs). We’ll see how he comes out of this before deciding where we go next but you would have to be thinking Group One now.
"I would say he will progress a lot from this to his next run."
Meditate (8-13F) maintained her unbeaten record with a straightforward victory in the Alpha Centauri Debutante Stakes.
Last seen winning the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot where she beat a subsequent Group Two winner in Mawj, she was returning from a 64-day break.
While at the two furlong pole Olivia Maralda appeared to be briefly travelling the better of the two, Ryan Moore had yet to fully ask for everything.
Joseph O'Brien’s Thornbrook also emerged looking a threat but Moore was just waiting for the right time to press the button.
When he did, the response was pretty immediate and Meditate began to stretch away.
There was a brief moment of alarm inside the last 100 yards when the favourite took a false step, colliding with the rail, but she still held off Olivia Maralda by three-quarters of a length.
Meditate is now vying for favouritism for next year’s 1000 Guineas with stablemate Statuette.
It's four on the day for Aidan O'brien and Ryan Moore as Meditate wins the Group 2 Alpha Centauri Debutante Stakes in classy fashion. 👏@Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/Yttv2ylePF
— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) August 20, 2022
"It was her first time over seven but she is so laid back and travels along in second gear," said O'Brien.
"She was very fresh even going down and it was a while since she ran. She even spotted the photographer going to the line.
"We always thought seven wasn’t going to be a problem for her. She hits the gates very quick but relaxes and is happy to sit there handy. She is very professional and gives you only what you ask.
"The plan was to come here and go for the Moyglare and that is what we are hoping to do.
"Ryan said that trip was no problem and he felt further would be no problem. She looks a very exciting filly at the moment."
