Bucanero Fuerte took the opening race of the Irish Flat turf season when showing a nice turn of foot inside the final furlong in the Alkumait Standing At Capital Stallions Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh.

The Wootton Bassett colt, a full brother to Prix de l’Abbaye winner Wooded, cost €165,000 as a yearling at Arqana and looks a smart sort on this evidence for AMO Racing.

The easy-to-back 3/1 favourite was shaken up by Kevin Stott to challenge the front-running Sturlasson over a furlong out and drew clear inside the final 100 yards to beat that rival by two-and-three-quarter lengths. Spanish Cara also made a promising start just three quarters of a length further back in third. She was slightly hampered by the runner-up who wandered about but the placings remained unaltered following a stewards enquiry.

“He went through the motions really nicely and was very professional,” said Stott.

“He pricked his ears when I was in front and hasn't actually had much of a blow.

“That was the first time I've sat on this horse, he gave me a really nice feel. We've got some nice two-year-olds in.”

When asked if he could be a Royal Ascot horse he added:- “We'll have to see how he comes out of the race and what happens going forward but of course he'll be a contender, I'd say.”

On riding in Ireland he said,“Obviously I'll come over when the boss wants me to come over. I love coming here, the people are really nice and the racing is very competitive.”

Quotes by Gary Carson