Power gets O’Brien off mark
Sent off the 4-1 favourite, having won his previous two starts, Power was well behind in the early stages.
As the early pace-setters, which included American raider Italo, began to weaken, the unbeaten Power began to find his stride.
Roman Soldier hit the front under George Baker and the pair came together inside the final furlong, prompting a stewards’ inquiry, and there was a neck between them at the line.
St Barths made good late headway to claim third.
O’Brien said: “Ryan gave him a great ride and he’s a tough horse. It’s tough out there.
“He won his maiden over six furlongs at the Curragh and then won the Marble Hill over five furlongs.
“He’s a big, powerful, strong horse and he has the physique already. Most horses at two have to progress, but he has it already.
“I spoke to Ryan on the way in and asked him if he would stay further and he said no problem. All things are open to him.
“He could go back to the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. Looking at him you’d think he’ll get further.
“It’s a relief for everybody (to have a winner). Everyone works very hard and puts a lot into it. It’s great to have a winner here – it’s a very special meeting.”
Robert Cowell’s luckless sprinter Prohibit finally enjoyed his day in the sun by beating off a truly international field in the King’s Stand Stakes.
Australian speedball Star Witness, Hong Kong raider Sweet Sanette and the ’Budapest Bullet’ Overdose were all bang there inside the final furlong, but Prohibit and Jim Crowley picked them all up to score by half a length.
Star Witness filled the runner-up spot, with Sweet Sanette third.
“I cannot believe this has just happened,” said Cowell. “This is the best day of my racing life.”
