John F Kennedy made antepost Derby fav' John F Kennedy put himself firmly in the 2015 Classic picture with an impressive win at Group 3 level at Leopardstown today, winning the John Deere Juvenile Turf Stakes at his ease for trainer Aidan O'Brien and his jockey son Joseph O'Brien. The son of Galileo moved to the front early in the home straight and from there readily quickened away from his rivals and in the end recorded a comprehensive three and a quarter lengths win over 105 rated Tombelaine. The colt's progression, since what seemed a disappointing debut defeat over course and distance in July, was not lost on trainer O'Brien who later stated “you'd have to be delighted with that. He learned a lot from the first day and also from the second day to today and he could go anywhere now. “Around the inside here it is tight and he had to learn a lot and learn quick. It was great experience. We would be thinking of him maybe as a Dewhurst horse but we'll have a think and see how he is. “He has plenty of pace and we we're delighted with the way he behaved today. He'll still grow up more and is very exciting.” The winner was universally cut by bookmakers for next year's Classics and is now 6/1 clear favourite (from 10s) with Paddy Power for the Epsom Derby while he is a general 12/1 shot for the 2,000 Guineas. Quotes from Gary Carson
