Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ADMIRABLE NELSON
O’Brien’s charge is star turn
NELSON is set to head down the Epsom Derby trail following his comeback success in the P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown yesterday.
Only four runners went to post for this Group 3 and the winner was among three challengers for Aidan O’Brien who was winning the race for the eighth time.
Nelson made the running under the trainer’s son Donnacha and battled on well over the last furlong and a half to contain stablemate Delano Roosevelt.
At the line there was half a length separating the front pair while there was further eight and a half lengths back to the third placed The Pentagon.
“It’s tough going out there but you’d have to be delighted with the first two,” said Aidan O’Brien.
“Donnacha felt his horse got the trip well and Seamie just said that his horse got a little lonely when he got there.
“The Pentagon wants really nice ground and he should come on tonnes from this. I’d say all three will be back for the Derrinstown Derby Trial next month,” added O’Brien.
Earlier the Ballydoyle trainer’s Gustav Klimt staked his claim for the English 2000 Guineas with a comeback triumph in the Ballylinch Stud 2000 Guineas Trial Stakes. The Galileo colt hadn’t run since landing the Group 2 Superlative Stakes last July and the testing ground was far from ideal for him.
However, he turned in a very nice effort under Ryan Moore. He picked up well from the rear of the field to defeat the promising Imaging by a length and three parts.
“Ryan was very happy with him. He quickened well on the ground which was good to see as he wants much better ground. The plan is to head to Newmarket now,” declared O’Brien.
Ger Lyons and Colin Keane maintained their red hot start to the new season with a double which featured a Group 3 success for the promising Who’s Steph.
She was taking a major rise in class for the Group 3 Ballylinch Stud 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes but took it all in her stride to win well.
The grey tanked her way through the race for Colin Keane and then kept on well over the last furlong to contain the effort of Yulong Gold Fairy.
Who’s Steph doesn’t hold any big race entries and is likely to return to Leopardstown next month for another 1000 Guineas Trial.