Story swoops to claim Guineas trial in style

Never Ending Story swooped inside the final furlong to give Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore a quick Group 3 double in the Guineas Trials at Leopardstown this afternoon.

The race was run at a strong gallop with Matilda Picotte and Zarinsk battling up front in the seven-furlong contest.

Matilda Picotte grabbed the lead a furlong-and-a-half from home but couldn't hold the late surge of 2/1 favourite Never Ending Story.

The well-bred Dubawi filly got on top inside the final 100 yards and was stretching away late on to record a convincing two-and-a-half length win.

Never Ending Story had been third in Group 1 company in France when last seen in October. Paddy Power made her an 8/1 shot for both the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks.

Never Ending Story strikes late to land the Ballylinch Stud "Priory Belle" 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes in great style for for Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien 👏 @BallylinchStud pic.twitter.com/NFyfABHh3N

— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) April 2, 2023

O’Brien said:- “We are delighted with her as she hadn’t really come yet. When she does come she will gush but she is just not there yet. You can see it in her coat.

“She can go to one of the Guineas and then stepping up in trip shouldn’t be a problem to her. Meditate is the plan for Newmarket and she could go for one of the other Guineas. We will go gently on her.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)