The Pentagon and Ryan Moore © Photo Healy Racing
The Pentagon hit top gear inside the final furlong to add his name to an illustrious role of honour in the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown.
The Ballydoyle colt was sent off a 4/11 shot for the Group 3 contest following a highly impressive maiden win at the Curragh 12 days ago.
Ryan Moore sat in behind the leaders on the hotpot and when he asked him to quicken a furlong-and-a-half out it took a few strides for the Galileo colt to gather himself.
He hit top gear inside the final furlong, getting to the front inside the final 150 yards, and was in control in the closing stages as he posted a length-and-three-quarter success. Theobald stuck on well for second as Would Be King finished on the rail to get within half a length of him.
“He learned a lot today. Ryan felt that he was very raw, and it was only when he went past the line that he really got to straighten himself up. He said he went past the line and he took off,” said O'Brien.
“It was good that he had to get out there and teach him a bit. He’s a middle distance horse but not stuck to the ground as we saw at the Curragh.
"David and Diane Nagle bred him and he’s out of an Aga Khan mare. He could go for the Futurity.
“He’s a very good mover and wouldn’t mind fast ground.”
Previous Ballydoyle winners of the race include Rip Van Winkle, Cape Blanco, Zoffany, Gleneagles and Churchill while it has also been won by the likes of New Approach and Teofilo.
Paddy Power were impressed shortening the winner into 8/1 favourite for next year's Derby from 12/1. They also make him 12/1 from 20/1 for the 2,000 Guineas.
Boylesports went 10/1 (from 14/1) for the Derby and Coral are now 12/1 (from 16/1).
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
