20 up for Murtagh as Aztec Parade routs rivals

If Gin Blossom rsquo;s win in the fillies equivalent half an hour earlier was easy, 1/6 favourite Aztec Parade’s success in the colts and geldings median auction maiden could only be described as facile.

Ben Coen didn’t complicate things, letting the Anjaal gelding go to the front from the start and it was only a question of how far from early in the straight.

Ten lengths was the answer, with Loved Out doing next best.

The winner had been runner-up on his two previous outings, including when just pipped on his second start at Naas last month.

Winning trainer Johnny Murtagh said: “That's 20 winners in five weeks so it's a great start to the season.

“I'm delighted for that horse because he ran into a couple of good ones. I know it was a weak race but Ben said he gave him a nice feel.

“He's a great mover and has got the size and the scope. He just did what he had to do.

“We might stick him up to Listed company now and see how good he is.

“Whatever he does this year he will be better next year. We are trying to gather a nice team of horses that going forward can compete in Listed and Group races next year.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson