The Euphrates brings up a lucrative four-timer for O'Brien and Moore

Handicap 'good thing' The Euphrates answered the stamina question in the Irish Cesarewitch in the Curragh to the joy of favourite backers who punted him down to 7/2 favourite in this 30-runner contest.

The proverbial Group horse in a handicap soon improved to track the leader Boher Road and was sent on with more than three furlongs to travel in this 2m1f staying contest worth €600,000.

He kept finding for Ryan Moore which made it difficult for the pursuers to close the gap. The duo were in charge in the final furlong and, perhaps through a combination of being in front so long and shortening up a bit in the finish, they passed the post half a length in front of a staying-on A Piece Of Heaven (22/1). Sixandahalf (7/1) and Nurburgring (5/1) took third and fourth respectively.

He brought up a four-timer for Aidan O'Brien and Moore as they also struck with Shackleton 2/5f), Aftermath (5/6f) and Heavens Gate (11/8f).

The Euphrates was last seen finishing fourth in the Group 1 Irish St Leger at this track. He won in Listed class at Gowran Park in July.

O'Brien said: “He was very well handicapped, he ended up on a good mark. His Leger run was an unbelievable run.

“Ryan gave him a great ride, he got a great position and was controlling it.

“He's an improving horse, I'd say he's a Cup horse. He stays two (miles) and he has a bit of class, he travelled very strong at all stages.

“They were doing 12s all the way and to do that all the way in a race like that is very difficult. It's very unusual in those distance races.”

O'Brien ruled the winner out of the Melbourne Cup last week and added: “He's had a busy time and he's probably a next year horse.

“He's a quality stayer. He's run a lot for a three-year-old and hasn't exactly had an easy time, but he just kept getting better.”

Paddy Power slashed The Euphrates to 10/1 from 40/1 for the Long Distance Cup.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson