DERBY STAGE FOR BOLSHOI

Spotlight on Ballet after stunning Trial victory

BOLSHOI Ballet is clear favourite for the Cazoo Derby at Epsom following an impressive win the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown, highlight of a sparkling four-timer for Aidan O’brien and Ryan Moore.

O’brien’s charge was sent to the front before the home-turn, soon quickened clear and powered up the straight to slam stable-companion Lough Derg by six lengths.

“We couldn’t ask for more,” said O’brien, having won the race for the 14th time. “He’s very uncomplicated, relaxes in his races and quickens.

It’s straight to Epsom with him now.”

Bolshoi Ballet was the second Group 3 winner on the day for O’brien, Moore and the Coolmore team initiated when Joan Of Arc justified 11/4 favouritism in the 1,000 Guineas Trial.

Joan Of Arc, who bounced back from a disappointing effort in a similar trial last month, beat longshot Flirting Around readily and will now head for the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

The Ballydoyle combination went on to land the Cabinteely Handicap with Sir William Bruce and roundedoff the day when The Mediterranean dug deep to see off Ruling in the concluding mile-and-a-half maiden.

Meanwhile, Rachael Blackmore stole the show with a tremendous treble on the first day of Killarney’s May meeting

Successful on John Halley’s Mr Tambourine Man in the opener, she then provided Henry de Bromhead with a double on Cavalry Master in the Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Novice Chase before completing another good day on the ultra-impressive Gun On Lime – all the way winner of the mares beginners chase.

The featured €40,000 Kelly Farm Modernisation Ltd Handicap Hurdle went to Noel Meade’s Jesse Evans, ridden by Sean Flanagan.

And Brian Hayes partnered the Willie Mullins-trained Getaway Gorgeous to victory in the listed Tourist Attraction Mares Hurdle.

IMPRESSIVE Adian O’brientrained Bolshoi Ballet is now favourite for Epsom glory