Options aplenty for Continuous after Royal Whip success

Last year's St Leger winner Continuous (4/7 fav) resumed winning ways over a half-mile shorter trip in the Shoda Market Cafe Royal Whip Stakes.

The Heart's Cry colt broke best but Ryan Moore was happy for his mount to take a lead from Trustyourinstinct

After joining issue early in the straight, the winner gained a narrow advantage over Trustyourinstinct at the furlong pole and Moore just gave him a couple of taps close home to seal victory by half a length.

“We're delighted with him and he has loads of options now,” said trainer Aidan O'Brien, completing a double after Treasure Isle in the opener.

“He can go to the Irish Champion, he can go to the (Irish) Leger. He could have a run in the Irish Champion with a view to going to the Arc after it.  

“He's a very versatile horse, a great horse to have.” 

When asked if the Long Distance Cup in Ascot (for which he is 12/1 from 16s with Paddy Power) could be a possibility, he added: “100 percent. He can do next year, he can do a Japan Cup. He has so many options. 

“Ryan decided to take a lead with him today, he could have popped out and went all the way himself. It was lovely for him.

“He could even go two miles, we've never went that far but he could I'd say. He's an unusual type of horse. 

“He's a classy horse. He's genuine and his head is always down.”

Quotes from Gary Carson