The Aidan O'Brien stable received a boost on the eve of the Vodafone Derby when Shakespeare justified short odds in style against just two rivals in the Low Low EBF Race at Cork.
The Ballydoyle stable decided to rely solely on Aristotle at Epsom after taking the son of Rainbow Quest out of the premier classic on Thursday, and he quickened clear from the furlong pole to beat Rickison by nine lengths.
'He has plenty of class but would need to win like that,' said O'Brien, who nominated the Budweiser Irish Derby as a possible target. He also confirmed that the colt is in the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, and added: 'He pulled muscles in his back when running in heavy ground at Leopardstown last time, and needed some time to recover.'
Sean Cleary (19) recorded his first win when sending Montana Lady to the front a furlong out to beat Reptar by two lengths in the Kerry Spring Mineral Water Handicap. The Athlone apprentice is yet another recruit from the pony racing circuit.
David Casey gave Act Of Defiance a confident ride to land the opening Move Over Butter Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old gelding was produced full of running to lead before the last, and quickened clear with the minimum of fuss on the run-in to beat Bregogue by three and a half lengths.
'He is best suited by carrying light weights on good ground, and should be able to win again on the Flat this year,' said winning permit holder Seamus O'Farrell.
