Atwaad (noseband) proves too good for his rivals in the Tetrarch© Photo Healy Racing
The Irish 2,000 Guineas is next on the agenda for the progressive Atwaad, after he claimed Listed Power EBF Tetrarch Stakes under Chris Hayes for Kevin Prendergast.
Fifth on his debut over the course and distance last October, he won his maiden on his next start at Leopardstown.
He claimed the Madrid Handicap on his return to action at the Curragh last month and he was sent off the 13/8 second favourite today in the colours of owner Hamdan Al Maktoum.
Settled behind the leaders in third he was ridden to dispute over a furlong out, getting on top inside the final furlong before going on to score by two lengths. Blue De Vega who was sent off the 6/4 favourite, kept on to take second under Colin Keane for Michael O'Callaghan, while Embiran was three parts of a length back in third under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.
Kevin Prendergast said afterwards: "He's a smart horse. He trained on well and came on a good bit from the handicap.
"That should put him right for three weeks time. I thought if he's not good enough to win the Tetrarch he had no business running in the Guineas.
"So far so good but he has to step up again now. I'd say he wants good ground but not brick hard as he's a big heavy horse. That was a bit steady for him today."
Irish 2,000 Guineas price changes:
Betfair - Awtaad 8 from 14. Blue De Vega 16 from 12.
Boylesports introduced Awtaad at 8/1.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
