Antonius Pius impresses

Racing Curragh reportAntonius Pius put himself to the forefront of the betting for next year's 2,000 Guineas with victory in the Group Two Railway Stakes.

The cosy half-length defeat of the English raider Spanish Ace was sufficient for Ladbrokes to slap a 20 to 1 Guineas quote on the Danzig colt. But they weren't impressed enough to stop the Coventry winner Three Valleys tightening to 10 to 1 favourite.

Whether they are right could become clearer on August 10th as the English colt is on track to run in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh and Aidan O'Brien hasn't ruled out the same race for Antonius Pius.

"He's a lovely horse who learned to relax and Mick (Kinane) gave him a lovely gentle ride. He'll have learned a lot. He could be around for the National Stakes or the Phoenix," O'Brien said.

O'Brien and Kinane also teamed up for Mingun who won the Listed Celebration Stakes and the trainer made a rare statement trying to quell rumours about future riding arrangements at Ballydoyle.

A newspaper report last week suggested Kieren Fallon will replace Kinane but O'Brien was quick to praise his jockey yesterday and said: "Mick is top class, a world class jockey."

He added: "My stance on rumours is not even to comment but for the last three years, every year, there have been rumours that Mick is leaving. Mick is not getting any younger, none of us are. And one of these years the rumours will be right.

"But we're very happy at the moment. Mick is our jockey and we think he's riding great. It's the horses that haven't been racing great. Please God we'll all be happy and here next year."

Next season was also on O'Brien's mind for the beautifully bred Mingun and he said: "We are taking baby steps but he will be some horse to look forward to next year. He is still very green."

Derby winner John Murtagh had earlier kicked off the day in some style when his first ride for English trainer Roger Charlton was a winning one.

Deportivo added to a Royal Ascot success in the King Of Beer Stakes to give Charlton a first winner in Ireland.

"It's John Murtagh's first ride for me although I did jock him off once!" he said.

"This is a good little horse who will keep improving and John says he will get six furlongs," Charlton added.