Crypto Force and Colin Keane© Photo Healy Racing
Crypto Force created a very favourable impression when making a winning debut in the opening Ryans Cleaning Waste And Recycling Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden at the Curragh.
The Michael O’Callaghan-trained colt, who cost 160,000 guineas at the Breeze Up Sales, was sent off a 14/1 chance here with champion jockey Colin Keane stepping in for suspended stable rider Leigh Roche.
The son of Time Test quickened up nicely inside the final furlong to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths, although the odds-on Auguste Rodin was certainly very unlucky in running.
The runner-up had to be switched left to gain a clear passage and kept on well in the closing stages, with Shadowed a further length-and-three-quarters back in third.
O'Callaghan said, “He's very smart, we liked him a lot and picked this race out a while ago for him.
“We were very hopeful with his homework but then when you start hearing the talk about the others you get a little bit less confident.
“He's done it very well, he was a little bit slow away and in hindsight that's probably helped him and he's learned plenty.
“He was still quite green when he got there and ran about. They didn't go that fast and he's quickened up well from far enough back.
“The plan for us was that if he was able to win a race like this we'd bring him to the Chesham.
“He's another breezer, we bought him off Tallyho again. He's a lovely horse and anything he does this year is a bonus as he's bred to be a three-year-old.
“We're delighted and looking forward to him. My last four runners have been second so that will keep me happy for a while.”
Quotes by Gary Carson
