Royal Ascot next up for classy Stubbs

Stubbs enhanced his growing reputation as he took the Alfred Nobel Rochestown Stakes, completing a Listed double for Aidan & Joseph O’Brien (won the second with Reply .

The white-faced son of Danehill Dancer impressed when winning his maiden at Navan last month and he was well backed to follow up this afternoon.

He was 5/4 last night with Paddy Powers but was 10/11 this morning and he was backed on track into 8/13 clear favourite at the off.

Out of 2008 Irish Oaks winner Moonstone, he made smooth headway to challenge two furlongs out and he hit the front with over a furlong left to race, keeping on well from there to score by a length and three parts at the line.

The Richard Hannon trained Sacha Park attempted to make all under Pat Dobbs but she had to settle for second at 11/4 while Club Wexford was two lengths back in third at 4/1.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "It was a mess of a race and they only hacked for a furlong. He did well to come from last to first.

"He’ll have to go to Royal Ascot now, look at what the winner of this race last year (Dawn Approach) did."

Stan James now make Stubbs the 5/1 joint favourite (from 12's) with Wahaab for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham