Iberia soars home in final furlong

Iberia really found his stride in the final furlong to mow down Jungle Cove in the seven-furlong juvenile-maiden at the Curragh.

Aidan O'Brien 's newcomer by Galileo out of Beauty Bright (a Group 3 winner over six furlongs) broke well and soon disputed third as Agent Zero led.

Iberia came under pressure passing the halfway stage, though, and looked in a spot of trouble as Jungle Cove went for home passing the furlong pole.

However, Ryan Moore switched Iberia out from third and he ran on very strongly to pick up Jungle Cove in the closing stages for a three parts of a length success.

He was returned the 7/2 favourite from 4/1 shot Jungle Cove. Iberia's stablemate Russian Emperor finished a length and a quarter back in third at 10/1.

There was plenty of money for Jim Bolger's Geometrical who was backed from 12/1 in the morning down to 4/1 but he ran freely and came in last of the 12 runners.

Aidan O'Brien said: "We thought they were three nice colts [Sherpa finished sixth] but they were just ready to start. They were green and babyish.

“Ryan was very happy with his lad, they were all very happy.

“The winner was green for a minute when he dropped him down but then when he got it together he picked up well.

“He won't have any problem going up in trip but seven (furlongs) probably won't be a problem next time as he'll be way more clued in.

“When he quickened he just got caught a little bit but then he got organised. The Futurity could be an option for him.

“Seamus (Heffernan) said that he thought the third horse felt like a very smart horse.”

Paddy Power gave Iberia a first show of 33/1 for the Derby.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson