WARRIOR SLAYS ’EM O’Brien ‘monster’ on road to stardom

SAXON WARRIOR was last night backed off the boards to complete the Triple Crown after a stunning success in the Qipco 2000 Guineas.

Aidan O’Brien’s latest star looks poised to mop up this year’s Classics.

The imposing son of Deep Impact started by bagging the £283,000 first prize in the Guineas at Newmarket and was last night made hot favourite for the Epsom Derby next month.

Some bookies were also going as low as 3-1 that he will complete the Triple Crown of 2000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger.

Saxon Warrior was ridden by Aidan’s son Donnacha, 19, who made a bold move for home almost three furlongs out.

The 3-1 shot never looked like being caught, scoring by a length and a half and a head as he provided Aidan with a ninth triumph in the colts’ showpiece.

The horse, who was expected to find the one-mile trip on the short side, shot into the lead and stayed on too well for his rivals.

Tip Two Win was a memorable second at 50-1 for trainer Roger Teal while favourite Masar was third.

Elarqam, a son of Frankel and Attraction, came home fourth.

Donnacha said: “He is a monster of a horse. Huge thanks to all the owners for giving me the chance to ride him and especially to dad for the faith in putting me on him.

“It’s very special. Obviously, I’m winning this race and riding in big races because of the position I’m in. I’m just very grateful. He’s a proper horse.”

Aidan O’Brien was absent as he was in the US saddling Mendelssohn in the Kentucky Derby.

But Paul Smith, son of co-owner Derrick, said: “It was eye-catching, Donnacha couldn’t speak too highly