RACING:AIDAN O'BRIEN'S Cape Blanco ran out an easy winner of the Grade One Man o'War Stakes at Belmont Park, New York, on Saturday night.
Jamie Spencer’s mount quickened smartly off a slow pace turning for home in the turf race over a mile and three furlongs to beat dual winner Gio Ponti, runner-up to Goldikova in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Churchill Downs in November, for the €260,000 first prize.
Gio Ponti also finished second to the then-John Gosden-trained Debussy in the Arlington Million last year, and that is a possible next target for O’Brien’s colt, who was successful in last season’s Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes.
O’Brien was successful in the Arlington in 2005 with Powerscourt.
O’Brien told At The Races: “Jamie gave him a great ride, but we were worried when it rained last night. We hoped soft ground there wouldn’t be the same as soft ground here.”
Cape Blanco started this campaign off with a fine fourth in the Dubai World Cup, but was only sixth over a mile in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot.
O’Brien added: “He’s very tough and genuine. We ran him over a trip too short at Ascot, but we were trying to slot them all in. This is the first time everything has gone right for him this season.
“His choice was the Eclipse or races like this. Joseph (O’Brien) was very happy with him and this race slotted in lovely.
“Something like the Arlington Million might suit, but we will talk about it in the week.”
At Fairyhouse yesterday, Rose Bonheur came fast and late to snatch the Listed Belgrave Stakes from Katla.
The 11 to 4 favourite looked to have plenty to do a furlong from home when Katla held a handy lead, but Rose Bonheur found an extra gear for Declan McDonogh.
Lady O’Reilly’s three-year-old filly only went on 50 yards from home, but her electric turn of foot proved decisive as she recorded victory by half a length.
The drop to six furlongs provided the key to Kevin Prendergast’s charge, who had been far from disgraced in the Irish 1,000 Guineas. “She missed the kick for some reason today, which was surprising,” said McDonogh.
“She got bustled about a bit, but they went a nice pace up front and the splits came at the right time. I always knew she was getting there. She’s a lovely filly.”
Fabian Burke, Prendergast’s travelling head lad, added: “She’s progressing all the time. There is a Listed race at Naas in 10 days for her. She’s doing well.”
The trainer and the owner were completing a double having taken the Irish Stallion Farms Maiden with Bahama Spirit (10 to 1), ridden by 7lb-claiming apprentice Samantha Bell.
