Zoffany bounces back in style

THE Aidan O’Brien-trained Zoffany bounced back from his Coventry Stakes defeat at Royal Ascot to justify 4/7 favouritism in the listed Golden Fleece 2-Y-0 Stakes, last night’s feature at Leopardstown.

Confidently handled by Seamus Heffernan, deputising for the suspended Johnny Murtagh, the Dansili colt quickened well when asked to sweep past the British raider Stentorian at the furlong-pole before scoring by two lengths.

Beaten over eight lengths when sixth to Strong Suit in the Coventry, Zoffany was recording his third win on home soil. And Heffernan enthused: “He’s a good horse. He was a bit disappointing in Ascot, but learned a lot from the experience. He’ll stay a mile, no problem. And he’s improving, because the fresheness is only coming out of him now.”