Indian Chief & Joseph O'Brien in full flow© Photo Healy Racing
< Indian Chief made the perfect start to his Classic campaign with a comfortable victory in the Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Summer Racedays 2013 Maiden at the Dublin track.
Battle Of Marengo staked his Derby claim over the weekend and Aidan O'Brien looks to have another very exciting three-year-old to go to war with after Indian Chief, second only to subsequent Group One winner Loch Garman on his sole juvenile start, quickened smartly to beat the front-running Dubai Deer
Joseph O'Brien had him anchored at the back of the field for much of the 10-furlong contest but started picking off his rivals two furlongs out.
The 4-7 favourite was momentarily tight for room on straightening up but he was nimble enough to evade the possible danger and readily skipped two lengths clear after hitting the front half a furlong from home.
The O'Briens were just denied when Say had to settle for a short-head second behind Kerisa (7-2) in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.
The winner, providing John Oxx with his first success of the season, edged past long-time leader Etesian around a furlong out and although Say layed down a strong challenge, the line came in time for Declan McDonogh's mount.
McDonogh completed a double when swooping late on Stronger Than Me to beat Smoke Charger a length and three-quarters in the www.inba.ie Betting Voucher Handicap.< Leah Claire picked off Tantalising late in the piece to take the Spin 1038 Rated Race for trainer Willie McCreery, while veteran performer Head Waiter now in the care of Claire Simpson, rolled back the years when taking the Leopardstown Intervarsity Colours Challenge Cup Handicap under Connor King.
The Ross Nugent Foundation Handicap was won in tremendous style by Dermot Weld's Stuccodor (7-2), who looked well ahead of the assessor when recording a clear-cut success in the hands of Pat Smullen.
