Gleneagles strides towards the line© Photo Healy Racing
Gleneagles (8/13f) continued his progress through the ranks with an authoritative victory in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes at the Curragh. Convergence took the five-runner field along, but Gleneagles on his inner started to make good headway at the two pole. He grabbed the lead with a furlong and a half to go and was soon clear under Joseph O’Brien.
Joseph Murphy’s Vert De Grece (8/1) stayed on strongly from last to chase the winner in the final furlong. He closed to within three parts of a length at the line, but Gleneagles was never threatened.
“I'm delighted with that. He quickened up really well but didn't do much in front. He had to move when the gap opened on the rail,” Aidan O’Brien said.
“He could possibly come back here for the National (Stakes) but he has plenty of options. He has plenty of speed. He's a brother to Marvellous and a mile won't a problem. He's able to change gears. He quickened up there and went two or three lengths up easily but then started to idle.”
His last two runs saw him win in maiden and Group 3 company respectively.
Paddy Power and Boylesports both cut Gleneagles to 16/1 from 25/1 for next year's 2,000 Guineas.
This was a Curragh double for Aidan O'Brien as Hall Of Mirrors won the earlier Royal Whip Stakes.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
