George Washington solidified his position at the top of ante-post lists for next year's 2,000 Guineas with a commanding performance in the Group 1 Laing O'Rourke National Stakes at the Curragh.
There was an anxious moment shortly after the start when the Danehill colt stumbled under Kieren Fallon but it had no effect on the result as he went on to comfortably account for Golden Arrow by two lengths.
The 2/11f took over from pace-setting stable-mate Amigoni before the furlong pole and despite wandering a bit in front he had few problems settling matters.
'I'm delighted as that was his first time over seven furlongs,' said Aidan O'Brien. 'Kieren said he stumbled and nearly fell - which left him with a lot of ground to make up.'
'There are three options for him. The Dewhurst, the Breeders Cup Juvenile or not running again. It's possible but not definite that he won't run again. He knows enough now that it wouldn't matter if he didn't race again this season.'
Ladbrokes cut the winner to 3/1 from 4/1 for the Guineas while Cashmans left him as their 4/1 favourite.
Fallon had a good day at the office, landing a four-timer which included three Ballydoyle juveniles.
Art Market (8/11f) looked another smart prospect when making it two from two in the Laing O'Rourke Blenheim Stakes.
The Storm Cat colt wore down Leitra inside the final furlong to secure a two-length victory in the Listed event.
Fallon teamed up with old boss Sir Michael Stoute when partnering Red Bloom (15/8f) in the Group 2 Irish National Stud Blanford Stakes and duly did the business in good style.
The Selkirk filly hit the front with over two furlongs to run and stayed on strongly to record a length-and-a-half victory over Pictavia.
Fallon had started the day as he meant to go on when Arabian Prince (8/13f) got up close home to justify his short price in the Tinnakill House EBF Maiden.
The Ballydoyle runner Emerald Cat (5/2 to 7/4f) was well supported in the Listed Laing O'Rourke Solonaway Stakes but could never get involved as English raider Kings Point made all and stayed on strongly to score.
The enigmatic Holy Orders was on a real going day as he ran out an easy winner of the September Handicap while Koukalova stayed on strongly to land the Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Handicap for Jim Bolger and Davy Moran.
It was a big day for the McNamara family on the opening day of the Listowel festival with Andrew recording a double and younger brother Robbie registering his first winner.
Andrew McNamara took the feature Dawn Milk Handicap Chase in good style on Look Between Us. The Louis Archdeacon-trained gelding was eased down close home to beat Mon Oiseau by four lengths.
He had initiated the brace when producing Danny O'Connell's Merry Star to lead at the last and claim the opening Kerry Maid Maiden Hurdle.
Glenquin Castle, trained by Andrew McNamara senior, completed a good day for the family when giving 17-year-old Robbie his first success in the bumper.
