Aidan O'Brien's Eagle Mountain powered away from the opposition in the feature Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh yesterday. Kieren Fallon did not look entirely happy aboard the 4 to 7 favourite throughout the early stages of the Group Two contest but the pair were travelling ominously well as the field turned for home.
Having assumed command entering the last two furlongs, Eagle Mountain flew home to claim a thoroughly convincing seven-length triumph, causing VC Bet to cut him to 20 to 1 from 25 to 1 for next year's 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Capital Exposure plugged away and grabbed second spot but had no answer to the winner's superior finishing kick. "He's a really improving colt - just like his father (Rock Of Gibraltar)," said O'Brien, who landed the Grade One Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland with Aussie Rules on Saturday.
"He's getting better and better with the more racing he has. "The ground was fine and he was really suited by a mile. The intention is to go for the Racing Post Trophy."
O'Brien missed out on a notable double as 2005 St Leger hero Scorpion finished second to Mick Quinlan's Frank Sonata in the Listed Rathbarry Stud's Barathea Finale Stakes. Quinlan's charge, partnered by Tom Queally, took up the running entering the final five furlongs and stayed on gallantly under pressure to land the spoils by a length at odds of 12 to 1 . "The main thing is the trip with him - this is the minimum," explained the winning handler.
Scorpion was patiently ridden and looked the likely winner as he picked off his rivals one by one, only to weaken close home on what was his first start for over a year.
Kevin Prendergast enjoyed a red-letter day when sending out Evening Time, Ugo Fire and Chained Emotion to secure a 48.5 to 1 treble in the first three races. The former created a big impression in slamming her 11 rivals in the Flame Of Tara EBF Stakes, a result which provided champion jockey-elect Declan McDonogh with a double.
The daughter of Keltos, returned the solid 5 to 4 favourite, cruised into contention with two and a half furlongs to go and only had to be nudged out to record a most impressive five-length victory over Aidan O'Brien's Theann. "I didn't believe that performance at Fairyhouse was the right form but now I have to," he said.
"She's pretty smart and could not have won any better than that. The owner wants her to run in the Irish 1,000 Guineas next year," he added of his filly, who was introduced at 25 to 1 by Cashmans for next season's target.
Pat Smullen was seen to good effect aboard Champion Hurdle hope Iktitaf as the pair enjoyed a hard-fought success in the Hacketts.ie Irish Cesarewitch.
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