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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Isle has to work hard in order to land Naas Treasure

Sun 19th May 2024, 14:15

Treasure Isle and Ryan Moore win for trainer Aidan O Brien from Saratoga Special Healy RacingTreasure Isle and Ryan Moore win for trainer Aidan O Brien from Saratoga Special Healy Racing
© Photo Healy Racing

The Aidan O'Brien trained Treasure Isle stepped up on a promising debut second when going one place better in the opening Coolmore Stud Calyx Race at Naas.

Sent off 8-13f on the back of that pleasing introduction at the Curragh last month, the son of No Nay Never had to work hard to justify those short odds.

Breaking quickly under Ryan Moore, the colt led a quartet of rivals for the first couple of furlongs. With the others all making their racecourse debuts, the once-raced Ballydoyle representative had that vital edge in terms of experience.

However, Shane Foley was soon upsides on newcomer Saratoga Special keeping the favourite honest every step of the way.

As the pair settled down to battle it out inside the final furlong, Treasure Isle made his previous run count to edge it by half-a-length.

Aidan O’Brien said: “Ryan said he was very green and was surprised how green he was as he was swapping and changing and looking. He felt that he had plenty still to learn but has a lot of speed.

“We thought he was going to be one for Royal Ascot and hopefully he knows enough. He certainly has the speed for it. We’ll see how he takes the run and how much he comes on from it.

“River Tiber won this last year and went on to win the Coventry but this horse will be very happy staying at five.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.

Paddy Power cut Treasure Isle to 14/1(from 20/1) for the Coventry Stakes.

1st
8/13Fav
Tote €1.62 €1.10
2nd
0.5L
10/3
€1.70
3rd
3.5L
15/2
4th
0.5L
33/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.