18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Churchill furthers reputation in National Stks

Sun 11th Sep 2016, 18:51

Churchill (Ryan Moore) strides away from Mehmas inside the final furlongChurchill (Ryan Moore) strides away from Mehmas inside the final furlong
© Photo Healy Racing

On what proved a mixed weekend for the Ballydoyle team, Aidan O’Brien saddled the winner of the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes for the eleventh time as Churchill justified his position as odds-on favourite with an authoritative victory at the Curragh.

The 4/5 market leader got involved in a bit of a bumping match with English raider Mehmas around two furlongs out but drew right away under Ryan Moore inside the final furlong.

There was four and a quarter lengths between the pair at the line, with Lockheed a further neck away in third.

O’Brien said, “He settles well and he quickens well. He’s a very smart horse. He looked like a miler but Ryan said he’d have no trouble getting a mile and a quarter next year.

“Frankie’s horse was lying in on him and he’d every chance to give in. He keeps progressing with racing, and will have learned a lot today.”

The Galileo colt was cut to 4/5 (from 2/1) with Boylesports for the Dewhurst Stakes, while his price was also slashed for next year’s classics.

He’s as short as 5/2 (from 6/1) with both Paddy Power and Betfair for the 2000 Guineas but 4/1 with Boylesports, while Ladbrokes go a top-priced 6/1 (from 8’s).

There is a huge variation in quotes for the Derby with Ladbrokes again going a standout 14/1 (from 20/1), while Paddy Power were very impressed and offer just 6/1 (from 20/1).

1st
4/5Fav
Tote €1.80 €1.02
2nd
4.25L
9/4
€1.50
3rd
nk
11/1
4th
1.75L
50/1
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.