Ol' Man River is driven out close home by Joseph O'Brien © Photo Healy Racing
Ol’ Man River made it two from two with the minimum of fuss as he took the feature at the Curragh this afternoon, the Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes, providing Aidan and Joseph O’Brien with a treble on the card.
The son of Montjeu, who cost a massive €2.85 million as a foal, got off the mark on his debut over the course and distance last month and having opened at 6/4 last night he was and went off the clear 1/2 favourite.
Settled in fourth he came with his challenge on the outer from two furlongs out and he was soon ridden to the front, stretching clear inside the final furlong, going on to score by two and three parts of a length. Clonard Street (20/1) kept on well to take second under Fran Berry on his first start for Tony Martin and JP McManus while Battle Of Marathon was three parts of a length back in third.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "“He travelled and learned a lot as today was on the round course. He was able to sit in and relax and he has a lot of speed. It was a nice experience and I couldn’t be happier.
"He’s in the Racing Post Trophy and the Dewhurst. He has all the entries but he doesn’t have to run again this year as he has the two runs and knows enough now going into next year.
"He could run again this year but we won’t force him. This time of year horses can change so we’ll see what happens. He loves fast ground and is a beautiful mover. He’s by Montjeu but a horse with that pace will always handle nice ground. He’s exciting.
"He might get a mile and a quarter but you couldn’t be sure he’ll get a mile and a half. He’s a hardy horse, he’s not a whimp which is a good sign.
"He moved forward lovely from his maiden and he learned plenty today.
"War Envoy, Gleneagles and Found are the three we are thinking about for the two-year-old races in Longchamp next weekend."
The winner is now 12/1 from 16's with Paddy Power for next years Epsom Derby while Boylesports go 10/1 also from 16's.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
