Air Force Blue shows plenty of dash

Aidan O'Brien has been the trainer to follow in the Big Bad Bob European Breeders Fund Maiden at the Curragh and he supplied this year's winner Air Force Blue at 4/1.

The War Front colt broke smartly from stall 11 in this six-furlong contest and was soon at the head of affairs on the stands-side rail. He had three horses on his outside for company - Munshid Tonkinese and Fisherman's Blues - in the first three furlongs.

With a furlong and a half to go Air Force Blue went on as Rockaway Valley improved to throw down his challenge. Tonkinese raced in third.

Moore kept Air Force Blue up to his work in the final 100 yards as Rockaway Valley (25/1) stayed on strongly to close within a neck at the line. Tonkinese (16/1) was two lengths away in third.

Jim Bolger 's Tribal Beat was well backed from 7/4 to 5/4, but the favourite never landed a blow in seventh.

Aidan O'Brien said: "I thought he'd be a bit green like the filly yesterday (Ballydoyle). Ryan said he winged the gates and was there in front. He just got tired in the last 50 yards which is understandable."

When asked about Royal Ascot he said: "He probably didn't learn a lot there and has only had one run. We'll have to see how he comes along."

On yesterday's 2,000 Guineas winner he commented: "Gleneagles is fine this morning. He just went for a walk, and there will be no decision about the Derby for the moment."

Paddy Power introduced Air Force Blue at 14/1 for the Coventry Stakes while BoyleSports put him in their book at 8/1.

Air Force Blue holds entries in the Group One Phoenix Stakes and Group Two Railway Stakes, both at this track.

O'Brien won this race from 2011 to 2013 with Reply, Lines Of Battle and Sir John Hawkins respectively.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee