Escamillo and Donnacha O'Brien © Photo Healy Racing
The Joseph O'Brien-trained Escamillo justified good support in the mile maiden at Navan as he spread eagled the field in the closing stages.
The Bated Breath colt finished ninth of twelve runners on his sole previous start at Leopardstown back in May.
He was backed from as big as 20/1 this morning and returned a 5/1 shot on course.
Donnacha O'Brien 's mount missed the kick today but made up ground quickly on the outer to lead two-and-a-half furlongs from home.
He pulled clear before the furlong marker and stayed on strongly to record an eight length success over Stoic Soul 7/4 favourite Tashman was a length back in third.
“We liked him early on in the year but he ran bad in Leopardstown. I thought we went on a bit early with him so we gave him time, and he’s come back and won nicely,” said the winning trainer.
“The ground (at Leopardstown) was very quick, it was six furlongs and turned out to be a very good race. We were disappointed on the day but it was lovely to see him do that today.
“I was a bit worried early as he was so green but Donnacha pulled him out in the straight and he quickened up well.
“He’s one to look forward to next year, and we could start him off anywhere with an ease in the ground in the spring.
“He should stay further as he’s out of a Montjeu mare, and usually a two-year-old that gets a mile in Navan will get a bit further next year.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
