Light continues on the up

The progressive Leading Light toughed it out well from the front to justify odds of 4/6 in the Group 3 Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes under Joseph O'Brien at the Curragh.

The win, bringing up a double for Ballydoyle after Sir John Hawkins victory in the first, looked like it mightn't be achieved for a stride or two as Little White Cloud and Count Of Limonade tried their cases from the quarter mile pole.

However, despite left off the rail inside the last, the victorious Montjeu colt was well on top at the finish, prevailing by two and a quarter lengths.

Aidan O'Brien said: "He's a lazy horse. He doesn't mind going along in front and there's always plenty there when you want it.

"He has plenty of pace and he's able to get a position. He's a very straight-forward Montjeu – he can get a position early, travel along and he can be tough at the end.

"He's lazy that's why he wears the cheek-pieces. It helps him from being too lazy early on.

"He's a possible for Ascot or the Irish Derby. He wouldn't mind ten furlongs, a mile and a half or even two miles – I don't think it matters to him." (GC & EM)