Ryan Moore sends The Antarctic for home © Photo Healy Racing
Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore doubled up at Naas as The Antarctic fended off Ocean Quest at the end of the extended five furlong Group 3 Goffs Lacken Stakes.
The Antarctic (13/8f) went to work from a low draw in stall two and availed of the far rail as he took a couple of lengths out of the field racing into the final furlong. Ocean Jewel came home very strongly down the centre of the track and took aim at the leader close home, but she went down by a head at 5/2.
“I'm delighted with him. Obviously, he made good progress from Navan and he just needed that as well,” said O'Brien.
“Navan was tough, soft ground, there wouldn't have been much of an edge put on him but that will leave a lovely edge on him.
“Ryan was delighted with him, he said he got a little bit lonely and idle in the last half a furlong, but we couldn't be happier with him.
“He had progressed plenty without us really having to chase him. We thought this race would bring him the rest of the way and if everything stays well we should be able to let him coast into Ascot now.
“We have a choice at Ascot. Little Big Bear is going to run next week, over six at Haydock, and he would have the option of going to the Jersey over seven if Little Big Bear went to the Commonwealth Cup.
“This horse is going to come forward again, he's still a little bit tubby but he's coming. It will depend on where Little Big Bear goes.
“It always looked like he'd get seven. Ryan said today he was surprised that he quickened as much as he did.”
O'Brien and Moore teamed up with River Tiber to land the opening juvenile race on the card.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
