Can do for Curragh king Hannon
Canford Cliffs fully justified Richard Hannon’s faith in his ability with a devastating display to win the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh.
An impressive winner of the Coventry Stakes last season, he has been beaten in three subsequent races, including in the English Guineas where he finished third.
He travelled supremely well for Richard Hughes after settling perfectly in the early stages and the 9-4 favourite’s electric turn of foot was once again in evidence as he beat Free Judgement (25-1) by three lengths, with Viscount Nelson (20-1) third.
The field was taken through the first half of the race by two of Aidan O'Brien's pacemakers but the race started in earnest when Oasis Dancer hit the front with two furlongs to go.
Keredari and Xtension were also in the firing line but all the while Hughes could be spotted in his favourite position, watching the leaders as he sat motionless in the rear.
He moved through the pack like a knife through butter and when the button was pressed, the response was immediate.
Johnny Murtagh tried tracking him on Steinbeck but could not pick up in the same manner and ran on to fourth.
Jim Bolger’s Free Judgement came with a sweeping run down the outside to claim second while the first-time visor appeared to work on Viscount Nelson.
But in truth this Classic was all about one horse.
