The 2003 Flat season may still be in it's infancy but Aidan O'Brien is setting a strong pace among the training ranks, and the master of Ballydoyle followed up an opening day double at the Curragh by going one better at Leopardstown on Saturday.
Catcher In The Rye was heavily supported in the opening mile maiden, and the 4/9 favourite quickened up nicely in the straight under Michael Kinane to comfortably beat Prominent Feature by three quarters of a length. 'We always thought he was a lovely horse last year but he was held up with a few little problems. There is plenty to come from this fellow, and don't be surprised if he turns up in the Irish Guineas,' said O'Brien.
Black Sam Bellamy made all in the Alleged Stakes, and the full-brother to dual Derby winner Galileo was in full control from the home turn in this ten furlongs Listed event to beat the staying on Holy Orders by two and a half lengths. 'He likes to bowl along, so Mick decided to make his own pace. He will be aimed at all the good twelve furlong races, handles soft ground well and doesn't mind travelling abroad,' said O'Brien.
Roosevelt completed the treble in the ten furlongs maiden, but needed a strong drive from Kinane to hold off fellow newcomer Southern Style by a short-head. 'He is a fine big horse, and should get a mile and a half as his dam was second in the Ribblesdale Stakes,' said O'Brien.
Pat Shanahan proved an able deputy for the suspended Pat Smullen on Dimitrova in the fillies maiden, driven clear early in the straight for a length and a half verdict over Sharesha. 'She has progressed well over the winter, and has been working nicely. She had it wrapped up along way out, and could come back here for a 1,000 Guineas Trial,' said trainer Dermot Weld.
Niall McCullagh opened his account for the season when partnering a double aboard Gravieres and Cailin's Perk. Tote patrons were well rewarded in the seven furlongs handicap where Gravieres, 12/1 but paid 88/1 on the machines, led well inside the final furlong to beat Commoya by three quarters of a length.
McCullagh followed up in the mile and three quarters handicap when the well-backed Cailin's Perk struck the front a furlong out for a two length victory over Mirpour.
