Power gamble pays off

The opening Alfred Nobel EBF Maiden, largely for newcomers, saw a huge gamble materialise on the Aidan O’Brien trained eventual winner Power (13/2 – 3/1).

Ridden by Colm O’Donoghue, the son of Oasis Dream raced prominently, led from two furlongs out before staying on well to defeat the promising Remember Alexander by two lengths.

Afterwards O’Brien stated “Power is a sharp, mature type and is a lovely big honest horse.”

“He behaved very well and may be an Ascot horse later in the summer.”

Remember Alexander was backed into 5/4 during the morning, but drifted alarmingly in the on-course betting (returned 5/2) when she got very warm in the parade ring. The Jessica Harrington trained filly walked out of stalls and raced keenly in the early stages before coming home well to take second, a respectable distance behind the winner.

Thomas Weekes