Churchill furthers reputation in National Stks

On what proved a mixed weekend for the Ballydoyle team, Aidan O’Brien saddled the winner of the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes for the eleventh time as Churchill justified his position as odds-on favourite with an authoritative victory at the Curragh.

The 4/5 market leader got involved in a bit of a bumping match with English raider Mehmas around two furlongs out but drew right away under Ryan Moore inside the final furlong.

There was four and a quarter lengths between the pair at the line, with Lockheed a further neck away in third.

O’Brien said, “He settles well and he quickens well. He’s a very smart horse. He looked like a miler but Ryan said he’d have no trouble getting a mile and a quarter next year.

“Frankie’s horse was lying in on him and he’d every chance to give in. He keeps progressing with racing, and will have learned a lot today.”

The Galileo colt was cut to 4/5 (from 2/1) with Boylesports for the Dewhurst Stakes, while his price was also slashed for next year’s classics.

He’s as short as 5/2 (from 6/1) with both Paddy Power and Betfair for the 2000 Guineas but 4/1 with Boylesports, while Ladbrokes go a top-priced 6/1 (from 8’s).

There is a huge variation in quotes for the Derby with Ladbrokes again going a standout 14/1 (from 20/1), while Paddy Power were very impressed and offer just 6/1 (from 20/1).