Well touted George Washington is less than impressive
Kieren Fallon had to get decidedly serious with him in the closing stages to beat stable companion, Amigoni.
Seamus Heffernan’s mount tried to make all, but George Washington finally mastered him, after Fallon had to render one powerful back-hander, in the closing stages.
Commented Fallon: “He is still a baby. There was no real gallop and it developed into a sprint.”
Said Aidan O’Brien: “I’m delighted with him. He was a little bit keen early on and would have preferred a better pace.
“All races are now open, but if he doesn’t go for a Group One next then that would be a step down.”
Cashmans make George Washington 16-1, from 20’s, for next year’s English 2000 Guineas, while Boylesports took the same view.
One doubts the particular layers will be knocked over in the rush!
Mark Wallace, a native of Tippperary, but in his third year training in Newmarket, enjoyed a first success in his native country when Benbaun easily won the Listed King Of Beers Stakes.
Confidently handled by Fallon, the winner surged ahead over a furlong down to beat front-running Osterhase and Majestic Missile.
Benbaun ran no race at York previously and Wallace explained: “The ground was a problem, he was drawn one and pulled off a shoe.
“He has improved from being rated 56 as a two-year-old to here. He could go to Sandown next Saturday. He likes that stiff five furlongs.
“He’s a grand horse and the Nunthorpe or a race at Italy are other possibilities.”
Cloone River, absent winning over fences at Galway in September, put up a tremendous performance to win the Arthur Guinness EBF Handicap.
Tadhg O’Shea brought him with a powerful challenge on the outside and Cloone River quickened in style to score going away.
The nine-year-old won last year’s Galway Hurdle and heads back to Ballybrit next month. Said trainer, Paul Nolan: “He will get an entry in the Hurdle and the Plate, but I would say we are favouring the Hurdle again.
“He has had his problems and, hopefully, will be alright in the morning. We were schooling him for the Irish Arkle and he pulled a muscle on his off-hind.
“We probably rushed him then for Cheltenham and he went lame again. He has been to the Curragh three times of late and we knew he was in good order.”
John Gleeson saddled his first winner at headquarters when Deerpark streaked away with the Budweiser Guinness Handicap.
“I’ve hardly ever had a runner here”, quipped the clearly delighted handler.
It isn’t often that tough races like this are won in such style, but Deerpark scored in a manner which would indicate he is rapidly on the upgrade.
Talented claimer Chris Hayes produced him to lead at the furlong pole and the son of Orpen shot two and a half lengths clear of Best Side.
“He is going out on grass now and only came here because of the good ground”, reported Gleeson.
“He will come back on the flat towards the end of the season and then go hurdling.”
John Oxx’s Caradak, beautifully handled by Fran Berry, proved much too good for his rivals in the Listed Budweiser Celebration Race.
“He’s a good horse and was my best chance of a winner for the weekend”, said Oxx.
Kings Point tried to make all, but Caradak powered past at the furlong pole and scored by a snug two lengths.
“He actually finished last at Leopardstown, but was stopped three times at least”, said Oxx.
“He has to have fast ground and should win a Group Three.”
Berry completed a double when getting the run of the race to land Charlie Swan’s Anxious Moments the winner of the Waterford Crystal Handicap.
Runner-up Zeroberto was a desperately unlucky loser, finding his way blocked several times when attempting to challenge and only getting an opening as the contest concluded.
Miss Sally, winner of her maiden in testing conditions at Navan previously, found the ground no problem when taking the John Roarty Memorial Scurry Handicap.
Produced with impeccable timing by Rory Cleary, he also partnered Zeroberto, Michael Halford’s charge came through late to beat Majestic Times a neck.
