Masai strides to victory under Joseph O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
Masai completed a quick double for Joseph O’Brien, as he took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, on his third career start.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the son of Oasis Dream finished an encouraging third on his debut at Leopardstown in September, but he then disappointed on heavy ground at Listowel.
Having opened at 4/6 this morning with Paddy Power, the bay colt went from 4/9 to his starting price of 2/5 clear favourite on-course.
Settled behind the leaders, he came with his challenge on the outside two furlongs out, hitting the front a furlong from home, keeping on well from there to score comfortably by three and a half lengths. Kernoff (12/1) kept on nicely to take second under Shane Foley for Mick Halford, while Bonjour Bob was back in third under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons at 4/1.
Joseph O’Brien, who was recording his 123rd winner of the season, said afterwards: "We ran him on soft ground as we thought he might just get away with it, but he just couldn’t handle the ground at Listowel. He was much happier on that surface and he stayed on well."
The winner who cost 135,000 Guineas as a yearling, holds an entry in the 2000 Guineas at the Curragh next year.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
