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O'Brien one two three and on to Irish Derby now for Fernando

Thu 3rd Jun 2021, 17:28

Fernando Vichi (Gavin Ryan) beats The Mediterranean (Seamie Heffernan)Fernando Vichi (Gavin Ryan) beats The Mediterranean (Seamie Heffernan)
© Photo Healy Racing

The Listed Nijinsky Stakes at Leopardstown saw an O’Brien one two three led home by Donnacha’s Fernando Vichi (7/2 out to 5/1) with Gavin Ryan in the plate.

Aidan’s favourite The Mediterranean (7/4) was second for Ballydoyle, whilst there was a bronze medal for the other O’Brien trainer, Joseph, through his German-bred Camelot colt Ruling

Fernando Vichi was prominent and led after a furlong. He was ridden clear under two furlongs and he was four lengths up a furlong out.

The successful son of Australia had a reduced lead towards the finish but was always doing enough to keep The Mediterranean and Ruling at bay by three parts of a length and the same.

Donnacha O'Brien said afterwards: “He had a good run the last day and we always knew he was going to be a mile-and-a-half horse, at least.

“Gavin gave him a lovely ride today, he got a nice easy lead but he quickened up well. He put lengths on them and then got a little bit lazy in the last half furlong. I thought it was a good performance.

“I think he's earned a shot at the Irish Derby now, that looks like the obvious target.

“He's a horse that stays very well and I wouldn't be surprised if we step him up again after that.”

When asked if he could be a Leger horse in time he added:- “I think so, there is a lot of stamina in his pedigree and he has a nice lazy relaxed way of going. I see no reason why he shouldn't be.

“He quickened up very well today so he deserves a shot at a big one over a mile-and-a-half before we start thinking that way.”

(GC & EM)

1st
5/1
Tote €4.90 €1.50
2nd
0.75L
7/4Fav
€1.10
3rd
0.75L
13/2
€2.10
4th
1.75L
14/1