Wachman unveils Classic colt
Jamie Spencer took the David Wachman-trained winner to the front a furlong and a half out in the Group Three contest, but supporters had an anxious moment when the colt showed his inexperience by jinking right into Hearthstead Wings at the furlong pole.
Once Spencer had straightened him out, the 9-2 shot stayed on well to beat Merger, trained by Dermot Weld, by a length and a half, with outsider Hattan a further length away third.
Fracas is now as low as 12-1 for the Vodafone Derby with Cashmans, but a best-priced 33-1 with Paddy Power and totesport.
Shahrastani was the last horse to go on to Epsom glory after winning this race, completing the double in 1986.
Wachman said: “He’s a very laid-back, lazy horse who needs a bit of stoking up, but he’s not an easy ride as he would not want to be in front too soon.
“There is nothing wrong with him, he’s just green, and I think he had a bit in hand today at the finish.
“It was a good effort against more experienced rivals. He is in all the Derbys and I will have to talk to Jamie and see which one he would slot into best.”
The next stopping point for Fracas may be the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown on May 8.
Spencer added: “He spotted something maybe a furlong and a half out once he got upsides, but I straightened him out and only had to give him one little tap and he stretched away well in the end.
“He’s a lovely horse and it’s only 12 days since he ran first time out. It was a good performance.
“The ground was much softer in Ireland, but he handles the ground very easily and he’s got a smart turn of foot.”
Plea Bargain (4-11) was another three-year-old who looked a decent prospect for the future as he landed the odds comfortably in the three-runner Sunderlands Bookmakers Conditions Stakes.
Frankie Dettori only had to keep the John Gosden winner up to his work in the final stages for him to beat Kames Park by six lengths.
