Tower Of London and Ryan Moore© Photo Healy Racing
A brave front-running display from Grosvenor Square came up just short, as he was mowed down close home by stable companion Tower Of London in the Comer Group International Curragh Cup.
The winner of two valuable Middle East prizes in the spring, the Aidan O'Brien-trained victor disappointed when last seen in the Yorkshire Cup.
Fifth on that occasion, with the reopposing Vauban in second, the pair dominated the market for this Group 2 prize.
Sent to post a 15/8 chance, the winning son of Galileo was settled towards rear by Ryan Moore as Grosvenor Square went clear from early.
While he was still clear upon entering the straight, Tower Of London then came with a wet sail from the furlong pole and shot to the front inside the final 50 yards, eventually coming home a length-and-a-quarter to the good.
Returned a 17/2 chance (from 22 early), Grosvenor Square had to settle for second under Gavin Ryan, while Vauban (11/8f) was a further seven-lengths away in third.
"I was thinking don't get there too soon!" Moore, who was completing a double having earlier took the Sapphire Stakes on Believing quipped.
"He is a lovely, lovely horse and it was certainly made interesting. We let the leader have far too much rope.
"We wanted to make sure to ride him with a bit of confidence and to get him to finish his race today after his run at York.
"He was a great horse at the start of the year and he is great fun. There is lots of options open for him."
"Ryan gave him a peach," O'Brien, who was completing a double of his own after taking the opener with The Lion In Winter enthused.
"He could come back here for the Leger.
"He's a great horse to have and can travel anywhere, he loves travelling. He could be a Melbourne Cup horse, he could be anything.
"Grosvenor Square ran a great race and he's a trip horse. He wanted to go the distance and could be a Melbourne Cup horse."
STEWARDS REPORT
J.A. Heffernan, rider of Seattle Creek (GB), trained by Luke W. Comer, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount felt unsound finishing. The IHRB Veterinary Officer subsequently reported Seattle Creek to have abrasions on its nose and lips with a small amount of associated blood and also to be slightly lame on its right fore post race.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
