Battle Of Marengo & Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory from Loch Garman in second© Photo Healy Racing
Battle Of Marengo underlined his Epsom Derby credentials as he eased to victory in the feature race at Leopardstown this afternoon, the Group 2 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Joseph (double on the day for them), the son of Galileo was completing a five timer today as he went off the 2/13 favourite (was 1/3 this morning and opened at 1/5 on-course).
Having settled in second behind Dont Bother Me he took over in front four furlongs out. He was ridden a furlong from home and he kept on strongly in the final furlong to come home a comfortable length and three parts in front of Loch Garman (9/2) in second for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "That all went to plan. We had to go on with him or it would have been a very steady pace.
"He has just ticked over since the last day. You would have to be happy with him. He is lazy in front but he gave a good blow afterwards.
"He loves fast ground as he is a great mover.
"The three owners will decide where he goes next. It’s going to be an interesting Dante now (Dante Stakes at York on May 16th, Indian Chief the likely O’Brien runner).
Boylesports shortened Dawn Approach for the Derby after the win to 6/4 from 7/4. They also shortened Battle Of Marengo from 5/1 to 4/1.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
