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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Favourite Fernandez takes Round Tower Stakes

Fri 30th Aug 2019, 18:47

Lope Y Fernandez (left) wins under Ryan MooreLope Y Fernandez (left) wins under Ryan Moore
© Photo Healy Racing

After two defeats to the crack Godolphin juvenile Pinatubo at Royal Ascot and Goodwood, Aidan O'Brien's Lope Y Fernandez (11/8 fav) bounced back to winning ways with an authoritative length and a half success in the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes. Guildsman (5/1) kept on for second, with the winner’s stablemate Fort Myers (6/1) just as short head further back in third.

The winner, dropping in trip to 6f for the first time, travelled well all the way before quickening to the front under two furlongs out, and from there he asserted to win in good style.

“He was impressive on debut and ran very well in the Chesham behind a good horse,” said winning rider Ryan Moore.

“He was a bit disappointing at Goodwood, maybe just running downhill on quick ground. The winner is a good horse but I don't think he fired that day and I don't think that was his true running, I'm not quite sure why.

“Back here over six he's beaten a good horse in Guildsman who was placed in the Coventry.

“He was very smooth through the whole race and always felt like the winner. Hopefully he'll go on from here, he's a nice colt and he'll be a three-year-old for sure.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
11/8Fav
Tote €1.90 €1.02
2nd
1.5L
5/1
€2.40
3rd
shd
6/1
€1.60
4th
0.5L
16/1
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.