Washington underlines Classic claims

GEORGE WASHINGTON is a short-priced favourite for next year’s 2000 Guineas after putting up a scintillating performance to take the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh yesterday.

The result was never in doubt once Kieren Fallon pushed the button aboard the 8-13 favourite, with the son of Danehill striding away to beat his stablemate Amadeus Mozart by eight lengths in the Group One prize.

Aidan O’Brien, who was winning the race for the seventh time in eight years, already dominated the betting for the mile Classic but he strengthened his grip as George Washington is now as low as 5-1 from 12s with Paddy Power. Other bookmakers were equally impressed, with Ladbrokes initially going 7-1 from 14s before trimming him a further point to 6-1 which was the same price as William Hill, although Cashmans were slightly more cautious offering 8s.