Kasbah justified his position as the 1/4 market leader when readily taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Down Royal.

Johnny Murtagh’s charge was taking a significant drop in class here having previously made the frame against the likes of Kool Kompany and Ainippe, and was thought good enough to line-up in the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes.

The Acclamation colt was prominent throughout under Pat Smullen, and asserted over a furlong out.

He drew clear inside the final furlong to score by three and three quarter lengths, with Ostatnia finishing well to take the runner-up spot. Mc Diamond was a further three quarters of a length adrift in third.

Murtagh said, “He probably deserved that, and Pat said he's improving all the time. He's probably still a little bit weak, and I think that might be it for the season. If he strengthens up he could be better next year. He's straightforward.

"I entered him in the Guineas and the owner asked me why I was running him over five furlongs but I thought this was a good option for him. I see him as a six to seven furlong horse. Whether he'll get a mile we'll see. I'll start him off at seven furlongs next season."

Smullen said, “He’s only starting to become a racehorse, and was very babyish the few times I’ve ridden him before.”

(MG & AM)