Derby hope Ranger wins on debut

Newcomers US Army Ranger and Aasheq dominated the betting for Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, and they ruled on the racecourse too, with the former coming out on top for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore.

Having attracted support in the betting for the Epsom Derby earlier in the week, the son of Galileo opened on-course at 2/1 before going off the 15/8 second favourite.

Settled towards rear early on, he improved into mid-division approaching the straight and was sixth as they straightened-up for home.

He made good progress to track the leaders from two furlongs out and he hit stayed on best inside the final furlong, getting up in the closing stages to score by three parts of a length.

Aasheq was sent off the well-backed 11/10 favourite (was 10/3 last night) and he finished second under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.

Aidan O'Brien also saddled the third, and that was Kellstorm who was three and a quarter lengths back at 16/1.

Aidan O'Brien, who won this race in 2013 with subsequent Epsom Derby winner Ruler Of World, said afterwards: "Pat (Smullen) rode him in some work here two weeks ago and liked him but I was a bit worried beforehand (with all the money for Dermot Weld's horse).

"We thought he was very nice last year but he had a small problem and didn't run. He has only done half speed work for Donnacha but has worked well with horses that have Group race form.

"I told Ryan to drop him in and educate him. He has a great pedigree but has only won a maiden. That was the most serious bit he has ever been asked to do.

"He could go for something like the Derrinstown or to Chester for education. He'll only have one more run if he goes to the Derby."

US Army Ranger is out of Irish Oaks winner Moonstone, while he is a half-brother to Words, Stubbs and Nevis.

The Galileo colt was cut all around by bookmakers for the Investec Derby, with Coral going 14/1 (from 16/1), Paddy Power make him a 12/1 chance (from 20's), while Ladbrokes were most impressed slashing him into 10/1 (from 16/1).

Additional reporting by Alan Magee