Charles Darwin lives up to his billing in Norfolk Stakes
NORFOLK STAKES: Charles Darwin enhanced his already lofty reputation with a dominant front-running victory in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. Pic: Healy Racing Photo
Charles Darwin enhanced his already lofty reputation with a dominant front-running victory in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.
A full-brother to a top-class two-year-old in Blackbeard, the imposing Aidan O'Brien-trained son of No Nay Never finished fourth on his Curragh debut but had since impressed with victories at Navan and Naas.
Those who sent him off at odds of 8-13 will have had few concerns, with Charles Darwin soon bowling along in front under Ryan Moore, finding plenty once challenged and going away at the line to readily account for Wise Approach and Sandal's Song.
"He's lovely, Ryan always loved him and everyone always loved him at home," said O'Brien.
"He's a big, powerful, strong horse. He really looks like a four-year-old racing against two-year-olds.
"I didn't know if Ryan was going to make the running or drop him in, but he decides that. He always thought he had loads left with the way he came on the bridle.
"He's very quick, a big and mature physical and everyone who rides him says he has a very good mind as well - he's very exciting.
"We were hoping he would get a lead as he never sees the front at home, he's very strong and very quick."
On the Ballydoyle pecking order regarding juveniles, O'Brien added: "Albert Einstein is always just something like we've never seen before, the way he works.
"This horse is very fast - he's a sprinter, I don't know how far he's going to get, because he's very quick, and the horse the other day (Gstaad) looks like he's going to get seven, which means he could get a mile."
