Fighter (left) leads home rivals under Wayne Hassett© Photo Healy Racing
Fighter completed a treble on the day for Aidan O'Brien, as he benefitted from an enterprising Wayne Hassett ride in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Petingo Handicap.
An easy winner in first time blinkers on his fourth start at the Curragh last month, the son of Frankel stepped up in trip to a mile and five for the first time today.
Available at 20s in early shows for this 22-runner affair, the 90-rated victor came in for good market support and was eventually returned a 9/1 chance.
On what was his debut in handicap company, the bay colt made all and while given a breather from halfway, he kicked on again early in the straight and quickly increased his advantage.
He eventually came home four-lengths clear of stable companion and fellow handicap debutant Chemistry with this one returned the 3/1 favourite (6s early) under Ryan Moore.
There was another four and a quarter lengths back to top-weight Eagle's Way (18/1), while Galway Hurdle hero Nurburgring (4/1) was a never nearer fourth.
"He's obviously a good horse. He jumped out and ran, there is obviously a big engine in him," O'Brien reflected.
"He (Wayne) said it was as slow as he could go the whole way and he took off again going by the line.
"He'll probably never see a handicap again. This fella could probably go somewhere like Australia.
"Wayne is a great rider and a great fella. He's young, strong and is a hard worker. He has everything you look for."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
