Henri Matisse leads home his rivals under Ryan Moore© Photo Healy Racing
Henri Matisse maintained his unbeaten record, as he provided Aidan O'Brien with a 17th win in the Group 2 Coolmore Stud Wootton Bassett Irish EBF Futurity Stakes.
Successful over six-furlongs on debut, before following up over the same distance in the Railway Stakes, the bay victor was returned the 5/6 favourite this afternoon, drifting from 4/9 in early shows.
Upped to seven-furlongs for the first time, the Wootton Bassett colt was settled in third by Ryan Moore, closing on the front pair from the two-furlong pole.
Soon pushed along, he surged to the front inside the final 150 yards and despite edging left when briefly ridden close home, he still had a length to spare at the line.
Bidding for a hat-trick of his own, Hotazhell (2/1 from 10/3 early) finished second, while Scorthy Champ was another length away in third.
"I'm very happy with him. He's lazy and he quickens," O'Brien, who was completing a double along with Moore, commented.
"That is what he was doing over six and when he can do it over seven you would be delighted really. He has that turn of foot.
"He swerved when he got there. He's green and is still a baby obviously.
"The plan is to go for the National Stakes."
Paddy Power and Betfair go 10/1 (from 12s) about the winner for the 2000 Guineas, while he is available at 3/1(from 6s) for the Dewhurst.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
