Armory and Donnacha O Brien (right) score in style© Photo Healy Racing
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Armory picked up stylishly, after overcoming traffic problems, to claim the colts maiden at the Curragh this evening.
The 4/7 shot was held up by Donnacha O'Brien in the seven-furlong contest and found himself behind a wall of horses passing the two furlong pole.
He tried to edge out a furlong-and-a-half out and finally got clear passing the one pole.
The son of Galileo, who had been third on his debut at Leopardstown a fortnight ago, showed impressive acceleration to get to the front in the final 100 yards and record a two-and-a-quarter length success. Jungle Cove who had been bumped a bit by the winner as he tried to get out, stayed on in the closing stages and just failed to peg back long-time leader Arranmore for the runner-up spot.
The winning trainer said:- “He did well to win after getting caught behind horses, and I was surprised that he won by two and a quarter lengths.
“He could go to the July meeting (at Newmarket) maybe over seven furlongs. He’s after having his two runs now and I’m delighted with him.
“He could even step back in trip as Donnacha said he felt very quick.”
Donnacha O’Brien added:- “A lot of the Galileo’s like to lengthen but he’s able to quicken.
“I was stuck in a pocket but the second I got a bit of light he made up a lot of ground in a short space of time. He can be a little bit keen at home so I just wanted to get him to relax.”
Paddy Power introduced the winner at 20/1 for the 2000 Guineas and the Derby.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
