Cruciatus makes the breakthrough in Curragh opener

Cruciatus got off the mark on his fourth start, as he justified favouritism in the opener at the Curragh, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

Third, fourth, and second on his previous three outings, the Jim Bolger trained Teofilo colt was expected to get off the mark this afternoon, going off the 9/4 favourite.

Soon sent to the front, the bay victor was ridden and went a few lengths clear from two furlongs out.

He kept up the gallop inside the final furlong, and just done enough to hold off the fast-finishing Dumouriez by a head.

The runner-up was returned at 9/2 under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons, while newcomer Karasi (20/1) was another length back in third.

Bolger said: "He deserved that win and we'll consider going back in trip with him. There was no pace early so Kevin had to get on with it.

"I've nothing specific in mind but he’ll probably go back into a Stakes race."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee