St George right on target for Gold Cup Donnacha O’Brien recorded his first treble as Order Of St George warmed up for the Ascot Gold Cup with an impressive return to action in the Seamus & Rosemary McGrath Memorial Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown. O’Brien, who partnered Kingfisher to take this Listed event 12 months ago and will have his first ride in the Investec Derby tomorrow aboardShogun, produced the 2/7 favourite to lead at the furlong pole before quickening clear. Fact Or Folklore set the pace and briefly looked like she might cause a surprise when going four lengths clear early in the straight. However last year’s Irish St Leger winner powered home to such effect inside the final furlong that he had four and a half lengths to spare at the line. Modem was a further two and a quarter lengths adrift in third. Donnacha O’Brien was sharing a treble on the evening with his father Aidan, following the successes earlier on the card of War Decree and Cockatoo Island. Joseph O’Brien, representing his father Aidan, said “The most important thing was that he settled, and he settled really well. Donnacha said he was always happy and just gave him a little squeeze when he straightened up. “Dad was a bit worried about his fitness, and he had to come here if he was going to Ascot. Donnacha said he handled the ground well, and he won on it at Down Royal last year. I don’t think the ground is a big thing for him, he’s handled soft and he’s handled it quick. He’s just a good horse.”
