Assisi wins and O'Brien outlines other plans

Those that joined in the punt on Francis Of Assisi (13/8 into 11/10 on track) will have enjoyed the Gabriel Curran Memorial Madrid Handicap immensely as the Danehill Dancer colt impressed when sluicing up under Joseph O'Brien at the Curragh. Einsteins Folly was bidding to give Jim Bolger a four-timer and try as he might he couldn't match the obviously very well handicapped Francis Of Assisi who powered home to triumph by an unflattering three and three parts of a length.

Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "He won nicely at Naas and he didn't get a bad mark (running off 93 here).

"I'd imagine he'll stay a mile.

"I've five horses for Dubai (next weekend) – St Nicholas Abbey will run in the mile and a half race.

"Reply goes in the six furlong race. He's also first reserve for the mile race and if he got in there he'd go for that.

"Starspangledbanner will go for the sprint whilst Imperial Monarch goes for the two mile race.

"I'm not sure if he'll get the trip but we'll have a go. Lines Of Battle will run in the UAE Derby." (AM & EM)