Australia, left, impresses at Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
Impeccably-bred Australia routed his three rivals in the Group 3 ICON Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Trial Stakes when scorching home by six lengths for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
Dermot Weld’s Free Eagle was sent off the very warm 2/5 favourite on the back of his scintillating winning performance over course and distance just over three weeks ago.
Once Australia drew alongside Free Eagle a furlong and a half out the result was quickly confirmed as he strode away from his rival who couldn’t show the burst of pace that Foxrock patrons witnessed last month.
Joseph O’Brien said of the 5/2 shot: “He has a great attitude and all his homework has been very good. He changed his legs and when I brought him out he quickened up very well and won eased down by six lengths. He’s an exciting horse.
“You’d imagine the Dewhurst and Racing Post Trophy would be on his agenda. It’s slow ground out there. Unfortunately we got the rain the last day or so.”
Free Eagle, who prior to this race was favourite for the Epsom Derby, was the subject of a 20,000 euro bet in the ring to win 10,000. He wasn’t given a hard time by Pat Smullen when the winner streaked away. He took second, three and a half lengths ahead of Kingfisher Dermot Weld said of Free Eagle: “He’s a big baby and we’ll put him away for next year.”
A delighted Aidan O’Brien said of the winner: “We always thought the world of him. He doesn’t know he’s a racehorse yet. He’s very special.
“It was good experience for him today, he had to come round and pass horses. He doesn’t have to run again this year. If he doesn’t I think he’ll know enough and we’ll train him for the Classics next year.”
Australia is by Irish Derby winner Galileo and out of Epsom and Irish Oaks winner Ouija Board.
This win brought up a Leopardstown double for Aidan O'Brien.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
