Whistlejacket shows his speed in the First Flier

Soon up there to help set the pace Whistlejacket eventually ran out a convincing winner of the Listed GAIN First Flier Stakes at the Curragh.

Ryan Moore sported the Peter Brant silks on the chestnut (a full-brother to champion two-year-old Little Big Bear), second on his debut at this venue last month.

Odds-on at 5/6 to go a place better, Whistlejacket was too strong for fellow pace setter Arizona Blaze from over a furlong out. Three and three parts of a length was the margin between the pair at the line. Paddy Power and Betfair now go 7/1 from 12/1 about Whistlejacket for the Coventry Stakes.

Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien reported in the aftermath: “He’s progressed from his first run and did it nicely. He’s a fast horse.

“Five or six furlongs would be no problem. He has loads of speed for five.

“He’s after having two runs now so he probably doesn’t need to run again before Ascot.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Morning Vietnam (GB), trained by M.D. O'Callaghan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)