Buckhurst, white cap, sees off Sir Dragonet, right© Photo Healy Racing
Buckhurst (13/8) dictated the pace in the three-runner Group-3 Alleged Stakes at the Curragh, and outgunned the odds-on favourite Sir Dragonet at the business end.
Wayne Lordan bounced him into the lead from the gates and the pair led throughout from Numerian and Declan McDonogh. Sir Dragonet was held up in third by Seamie Heffernan.
Sir Dragonet made his move into second in the final quarter of a mile of this 10-furlong contest.
He was shaken up by Heffernan to close on Buckhurst at the furlong marker, but Buckhurst knuckled down to his job and kept the gallop up to score by a length and a half from the 10/11 favourite.
Trainer Joseph O’Brien said: “He ran a good race in Navan and he was unlucky not to win. It was just a bob of the heads. He’s come forward and going back to ten furlongs suited him.
“He’s always been a good horse but it’s nice to get him back on track. He’s uncomplicated and well able to go along (in front). Wayne gave him a lovely ride.
“It was a small field but they are three good horses in all fairness. I felt he won well at the line.
“The Tattersalls Gold Cup looks the obvious race for him now.”
The field of five was reduced when former Irish Derby winner Latrobe and Trais Fluors were ruled out.
This gave in-form Lordan a quick-fired double on the card and followed a treble at the Curragh yesterday.
Buckhurst is now three from four at the Curragh, with all the victories coming in Group 3 company over a mile and two furlongs.
He was given a first show of 33/1 for the Melbourne Cup by Paddy Power & Betfair.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
