Idris lands another Group Three in tremendous style

IN winning Saturday's Group Three Ridgewood Pearl Desmond Stakes, Idris was never more impressive. It was his fourth Group victory and sixth success this season and he has now won six races at the Curragh and five at Leopardstown, totalling £131,770.

Rated much higher than his rivals - 117 - Idris was entitled to win as he did but trainer Jim Bolger, who has now saddled 50 Group winners in Ireland, eight in England and one in France since he took out his licence in 1977, said Michael Keogh's five-year-old is "only now beginning to work like a good horse."

Apparently, he has been lazy at home. Hopefully, he will remain in training next season. Meanwhile, he will be stepped up to Group Two in either the nine-furlong Prix Dollar or the Prix Rond-Point at the Longchamp are meeting following a preliminary at home.

Held up in last place Idris quickened over a furlong out and shot clear to win by four lengths from Raiyoun.

Bolger and Kevin Manning completed a treble when Basanta just held the challenge of Grief in the Borris Race, a three-timer initiated by Swift Gulliver who confirmed Leopardstown placings with Desert King in the listed Tyros Stakes having led from three furlongs out.

He might have won more easily but for being in front so long. Anyway, he will be stepped up to Group Three status over this course before the season's end.

Walter Swinburn met with a warm reception after landing Pilsudski the decisive winner of the Group Three Royal Whip. It was the 35-year-old's second success since his return to the saddle eight days ago following his appalling accident at Sha Tin race-course, Hong Kong last February.

A drifter in the market as the John Oxx-trained Predappio came in for significant support, Pilsudski was always up with the pace and going for his race before the furlong pole strode away to beat the staying I'm Supposin by a length and a half, with the three-year-old Predappio a head away third.

Michael Stoute's Ballymacoll Stud bred winner was not suited to the much faster ground when unplaced in Royal Ascot's Prince of Wales' Stakes. He had won the Group Two Brigadier Gerard Stakes on soft going at Sandown.

According to Con Collins, Churchland is still a big baby but he thinks well of the colt who won the Tattersalls Trial Race with considerable ease. He may not have had much to beat but he was runner-up to a very promising youngster in the 10lb receiving Gunfire on his previous appearance. Rider Stephen Craine believes he will have no problems in getting a mile.

Stable-companion Raphane is currently resting and little wonder after seven races which included two trips to England. However, Peter Saville's fast two-year-old will be back this season and it would not surprise me to see him have a crack at the Prix de l'Abbaye.