Diego Velazquez (left) comes to tackle the front running Flight Plan© Photo Healy Racing
Diego Velazquez made it three from three at Leopardstown, as he justified odds-on favouritism in the Group 2 Tonybet Solonaway Stakes.
Disappointing in the early part of the season, the Aidan O'Brien-trained bay bounced back to form when a seven-length winner of the Meld Stakes in July.
Expected to follow-up this afternoon, the Frankel colt was sent off a well-supported 10/11 chance (7/4 early) under Ryan Moore.
Soon settled in second from his wide draw in 12, he improved to the front a furlong and a half from home and kept on well when ridden, prevailing by a length and a half.
Course specialist Mutasarref (20/1) ran an admirable race to finish second under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons, while Mountain Bear (20/1), a stable companion of the winner, was a head back in third with Chris Hayes aboard.
Returned the second favourite at 10/3, Maljoom finished a never nearer sixth after racing in rear for much of the contest.
"He's a lovely, straightforward, genuine horse," said O'Brien.
"He has pace enough for a mile and will probably get a mile-and-a-quarter. He's a lovely relaxed, uncomplicated horse.
"Christophe (Soumillon) rode him (in the French Guineas) and said ''this horse is going to win a Group 1 very quick' after it.
"Then it just went a little bit wrong on us. We went to the French Derby, and it was the wrong thing as it was too quick. Then I went up to a mile-and-a-half at Ascot, which was the wrong thing as well.
"He's a speed horse, he's probably a miler that will get a mile-and-a-quarter.
"He could go to a Breeders' Cup Mile or the Cox Plate. Adelaide was third in a trial in France on this weekend (ten years ago) and he won the Cox Plate."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards interviewed James Doyle, rider of Poker Face concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation owing to a misjudgement on his part and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that James Doyle was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended James Doyle for two racedays.
Tom Marquand, rider of Maljoom, trained by William Haggas (in GB), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was slowly away.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
