Antelope Canyon too strong for odds-on Wood

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Antelope Canyon battled back well on the run-in to get the better of odds-on favourite Currawood to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF(C&G) Maiden at Naas.

A promising fifth on his racecourse debut over course and distance in July, Antelope Canyon had appeared to be his stables second string in this race.

With Ryan Moore on newcomer Mississippi River jockey Wayne Lordan picked up the ride on the 11/2 chance.

Smartly away from stalls, Lordan led after a furlong, closely pursued by Billy Lee on Currawood. With the latter coming upsides over two furlongs out, favourite backers would have been on good terms with themselves.

Although leading briefly inside the final furlong, Currawood didn't pick up as well as expected, allowing Antelope Canyon to battle back on the run-in to win by half-a-length.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: “He came forward a lot from his first run. On his first run here he was just a little bit green and the ground was just a fraction on the slow side for him.

“He's been coming along nicely in the past few weeks. The race the last day has worked out well form-wise.

“Wayne thought he has the makings of a lovely horse. He'll have no problems stepping up to seven furlongs, handles the quick ground.

“We might go for something like the Legacy Stakes at Dundalk with him next and hopefully he turns into a Guineas trial horse next year.

“Ryan loved the other horse in third. He was a bit green through the middle stages and will come on a lot.

“I'd say it was a well above average maiden, Paddy's had good form, and I'd say there will be a few nice colts come out of it.

“Fair play to Goffs with the bonus, I think that's the third one we've won this year. It's a great incentive and it's greatly appreciated by all in racing.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.