Shield justifies strong confidence

Available at around the even money mark this morning, J P McManus' Shield eventually went off at 1/2 for the [email protected] Maiden and he did what was expected of him for Aidan and Joseph O'Brien.

In this two miler, Shabra Charity led and tried to assert on the approach to the straight.

However Shield was soon in pursuit and he took over from the two furlong pole. Dalasiri and Marty's Magic were quickly on Shield's case, but the odds-on shot found plenty for pressure to prevail by a length and a half and a neck.

O'Brien junior remarked: "He relaxes well and he travelled well into the race.

"I ended up leading a bit sooner than I wanted to though.

"He's a nice horse who should win more races and he'll pay his way."

Also bred by the O'Brien's Whisperview Trading Ltd, Shield ought to have plenty of options now as he's shown an aptitude for hurdling too. (AM & EM)