Stellar Mass and Kevin Manning© Photo Healy Racing
Irish Derby third Stellar Mass landed today’s feature at Down Royal, landing the Listed Her Majesty's Plate for trainer Kevin Manning and jockey Kevin Manning.
The son of Sea The Stars chased home Harzand and Idaho in last month’s Irish Derby but despite today’s 4/9 starting price, was made work before beating Benkei by a length and a quarter.
Bolger wasn’t present but travelling head man Ger Flynn later commented "Kevin (Manning) said he was just idling all the way up the straight so he was delighted with him. He saw it out well and he's happy with him.
"Twilight Payment (stablemate) is in the English Leger so I'd say he (Stellar Mass) will try a Leger Trial but he could drop back to a mile and a quarter; Kevin says he shows plenty of boot at home. There's plenty of options for him."
Paddy Power gave Stellar Mass a first show of 20/1 for the Irish St Leger.
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham
