The Antarctic on top in Naas sunshine

The Coolmore Stud Calyx Race saw 4/9 favourite The Antarctic partnered by Seamie Heffernan, confirm Tipperary form with Wodao

Half a length separated them last month and, despite conceding 3lb on this occasion, Aidan O’Brien’s Dark Angel colt came out on top again.

The market leader sat upsides Wodao from the start and gained a narrow advantage entering the final quarter-mile. He kept on well to win by three quarters of a length from promising newcomer Mehmar who was never far from the pace and just pipped Wodao for second place on the line.

Paady Power left the winner unchanged at 5/1 favourite for the Norfolk Stakes and 8/1 favourite for the Coventry.

"He's a fast horse, obviously he's a brother to Battaash. He has a lot of natural speed and is a high cruiser,” said O'Brien.

“I'm delighted to get a second run with him and Seamus is very happy with him.

“He's a real sprinter, I'd say, he's very strong and he's as wide as he is long. I couldn't be happier with him.

“Seamus said the faster they go in a race the more it will suit him. He is fast and I wouldn't be sure he'll stay very far, he's probably a five furlong horse.

“The plan was to go for the Norfolk if everything went well today. I think that's the plan, if everybody is happy, that we'll stay on.”

Quotes from Gary Carson