High Chaparral remains 9/4 favourite for the Vodafone Derby with Cashmans, Powers and Grahams after justifying prohibitive odds in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial.
Stable-companion Nostradamus set a strong pace in this 10f event, resulting in a winning time significantly faster than the previous two winners of this event - Sinndar & Galileo.
High Chaparral was ridden to challenge off the home bend, and kept on well for Seamus Heffernan to beat In Time's Eye by 1L, with Ahsanabad 1 1/2L further back in third.
'The pacemaker got away a bit, and I'm very happy with that as Seamus educated him nicely,' said Aidan O'Brien.
The Ballydoyle handler added, 'He has only cantered since winning here last month, and we will have a better idea about Derby plans after Sorcerous runs in the Dante at York on Wednesday.'
Heffernan and O'Brien also landed the Listed Amethyst Stakes, with Bach (1/2-4/5f) making all to beat Provosky by 1L.
Jim Bolger dominated the remainder of the card with a near 1,023/1 four-timer, highlighted by the victory of Marionnaud in the Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial.
The Spectrum filly dug deep for Kevin Manning inside the final furlong to deny stablemate Aqualina by a head.
The result was confirmed after a stewards enquiry into possible interference between the winner and fourth placed Madame Cerito early in the straight..
'Marionnaud will take her chance in the Irish Guineas, while Aqualina may go next for the Pretty Polly and will be suited by 12f,' said the Coolcullen trainer.
Bolger and Manning were earlier on the mark in the 12f maiden where Slaney Sand (14/1, paid 30.40 on the Tote) convincingly held off hot-pot Hanzali by 1 1/2L.
Margarula and Almost Famous also grabbed handicap wins for Bolger on the afternoon, with the former providing David Moran (19) with his third success.
Manning recorded his own treble when Almost Famous shot clear over a furlong out to beat Burning Impulse by 4L in the 1m handicap.
Catoffle headed Lawood close home to land the 2yo auction maiden under Michael Hussey, and trainer Kevin Prendergast feels she 'will be better when she goes a few furlongs further.'
Alan Magee
