"He did it nicely and is an improving colt. He's very idle but, when Pat got after him, he responded well," said Dermot Weld after Moyglare Stud Farm's Firey Speech (6/1) scored on outing number two in the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. (C & G) Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Naas.

Firey Speech answered Pat Smullen's every call when getting the better of Sportsmanship and well-backed favourite True Valour by half a length and a head.

"Seven furlongs would suit him better than six, although the ground today made it a stiff six and more like seven," added Weld.

"He handles any ground, and he'll go for a Listed race next. He could run in the El Gran Senor at Tipperary next month."

Meanwhile on his dual Derby hero the master of Rosewell commented: "Harzand has enjoyed an easy week, and was ridden out yesterday for the first time. He's on his holidays and it's onwards and upwards."

(AM & EM)