Cairo and Ryan Moore© Photo Healy Racing
Aidan O’Brien opened his domestic account for the year in the best possible fashion as Cairo landed prohibitive odds at Dundalk in the Listed Patton Stakes, the first Irish Stakes race of 2023.
Ryan Moore gave the 30/100 favourite an uncomplicated ride, disputing the lead with 150/1 outsider Ti Amo Sempre before striking the front in the straight.
The son of Quality Road, winner of the Group 3 Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown last autumn, needed to be ridden to assert inside the final 150 yards but ultimately got nicely on top by the line. News At Ten was two lengths back in second with Stormy Entry completing the places a further length and a quarter adrift in third.
Stable representative Chris Armstrong said, "It was a nice start for him. Aidan felt coming here that he was just ready to start. He'll come on plenty for the run.
"Ryan was happy with him, he said he will come on plenty as well, experience and fitness-wise. Ryan couldn't get cover and he probably did a little much early against others that had a race. He gave Ryan a nice feel.
"The plan is, all being well and if he comes out of this well, he will go off to Dubai for the UAE Derby and we will see how we go.
"He's an exciting horse to have and hopefully he has a good season ahead of him. He came to hand quick enough and Aidan felt fitness-wise he was just ready to start.
“It is worth a try on the dirt in Dubai. If it went well over there, we could possibly look at Kentucky (Derby). He has the Triple Crown entry.
"It is good to have the Group 1 entries here as well as looking overseas.
"Ryan felt he took a good blow and he'll come on plenty.
"He's a son of Quality Road, very good pedigree. Plenty of speed in the pedigree and a very good mover. An athletic horse with a lovely attitude and he is exciting. He'll step up in trip in Dubai. Plenty of options."
Paddy Power cut the winner into 7/4 (from 5/2) for the UAE Derby.
Quotes by Michael Graham
