Blackstone beating Elusive Laurence into second© Photo Healy Racing
The money came for Blackstone this morning and punters got off to a flier as he ground down his rivals in Killarney's extended mile maiden.
The 3/1 this morning was quickly snapped up and he dipped to 15/8 before racing, however, the gamble didn't continue at the track as he was returned 9/4.
He was settled in second by Joseph O'Brien behind Bane who set the fractions. O'Brien pushed his mount into the lead over two furlongs out although at the furlong pole it looked like they would be claimed by Elusive Laurence and Fran Berry who were going ominously well.
When Berry asked for more the response didn't come from Elusive Laurence (SP of 5/2 from Evens this morning) who didn't get on terms at any stage as Blackstone kept galloping to the line to win by half a length.
Tommy Stack 's Celestial Fable (33/1) kept on well in the final quarter of a mile to be nearest at the finish, a neck behind Elusive Laurence.
Joseph O'Brien said: "He's been a little bit slow to get the hang of things, but I think there's a good handicap in him. He has been a slow learner, but he's not ungenuine. He jumped the road in Fairyhouse and lost all chance." Intense Debate the 15/8 favourite from an opening show of 9/4, came home fourth. She was 4s this morning. Blackstone was getting off the mark at the sixth time of asking.
