Air Pilot on cruise control in Curragh

Air Pilot made all to justify 8/15 favouritism in the Group Three International Stakes over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh.

The British raider was partnered by Ryan Moore who popped him out into the lead before being urged to go and win his race two and a half furlongs out. Parish Hall appeared to be travelling sweetly as he closed on Air Pilot with under a quarter of a mile left. However, when push came to shove he couldn't get on terms with the winner who stayed on stoutly in the final furlong to win by a length and a quarter. Roheryn was last of the three runners, beaten six and three quarter lengths by the winner.

Trainer Ralph Beckett said: "We were lucky to fall into a three runner Group Three. There's not many of those around and we didn't want to make the running as he's lazy in front. Ryan felt he probably did more on Thursday morning before he came over. I thought Ger's filly (Roheryn) was sure to go on but they obviously decided otherwise.

"He's a home bred and had problems as a three-year-old and only came to me at the beginning of last year. He's ground dependent and needs juice in the ground. The rain last night was a big help. He was entitled to win a race of that nature."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee