Shogun bosses his rivals at the Curragh Aidan O'Brien's Shogun progressed from his debut last month to readily deliver in the seven furlong maiden for two-year-olds at the Curragh. He came in seventh when sent off 5/4 favourite for a maiden over course and distance that was won by the smart Sanus Per Aquam just under three weeks ago. Again the money was down on the Fastnet Rock colt as he was backed from 2/1 on opening show down to 6/4 favourite. He broke well under Joseph O'Brien to track the leader Sunglider. It was noticeable at the two pole that the 11 horses behind him were all off the bridle as Shogun tanked along. Pat Smullen soon started to exert his arms and then turned to the whip on Sunglider as Shogun eased alongside and went past him at the furlong marker. He was given the office by O'Brien and asserted to win by two and a quarter lengths. Sunglider (8/1) just held on to second from the staying on Reckless Gold (20/1). Clear Skies and Star Of Kings made pleasing debuts in fourth and fifth respectively. "He was a complete baby the first day and didn't know what was going on. We put the blinkers on to teach him a bit and they will probably come off again," said Aidan O'Brien. "Before he ran the first day he was half-speeding like a really smart horse. He will have learned a lot there. He travelled and quickened but was still very green. He's a horse to look forward to. "I'd say he's very smart - he always showed that he's very smart. Obviously the first day was a bit of a shock but first-time out two-year-olds do that sometimes. "It can be difficult when they bolt in first time as there are not a lot of places to go with them bar a Group or Listed race. Sometimes mentally that's difficult and not the right thing. "Joseph put a visor on him for a half-speed during the week and he came up hard on the bridle. He'll have learned a lot with the blinkers and it's like running two races with them on. "It's like wearing a cap or glasses. If it helps them progress mentally without being hard on them physically it has to be an advantage. "Joseph said he was only doing a half-speed today, even when he got to the front. "He can step in fairly quickly now to the big races. He's big and hardy and should be well able. He could step into the Futurity and those races. He's a big mature horse. "He's a full-brother to the filly (Qualify) also which makes him exciting." Shogun sported blinkers for the first time in this assignment. He holds a glut of Group-race entries for later in the season. BoyleSports introduced him at 25/1 for the Derby. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
