Verbal Dexterity goes clear of Beckford© Photo Healy Racing
Jim Bolger feels Verbal Dexterity is right up there with the best two-year-olds he's ever trained after an impressive victory in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon.
Kevin Manning was always prominent on the 5/2 shot and he led passing the three pole in the seven-furlong contest.
6/4 favourite Beckford travelled well to challenge two furlongs from home but couldn't match Bolger's charge in the closing stages.
The son of Vocalised powered ahead in the final furlong to record a comprehensive three-and-a-half length win in the Group 1 prize.
The winner was reversing form with Beckford having chased him home in the Railway Stakes back in July.
A very smart performance from Verbal Dexterity to win the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes for trainer Jim Bolger: pic.twitter.com/wqH2w3sY9d— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 10, 2017
A very smart performance from Verbal Dexterity to win the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes for trainer Jim Bolger: pic.twitter.com/wqH2w3sY9d
“He's a very good horse. We loved him here the first day and then I got it wrong when I went back to six. He needs the seven even though he has plenty of toe. Seven or a mile is his real cut,” said Bolger.
“He handles any ground. It was good ground the last day over six and it was still a good effort.
“We were fairly optimistic that we would turn the tables going seven.
“I can see him as being champion European two-year-old! He's the real deal. He's as good as any of the two-year-olds I've had.
“He has a marvellous temperament, great looks. He has everything and is the complete package.
“He's as good as any of the ones that have won the Dewhurst for us. Any of those five. I would think he'll go for the Dewhurst next.
“He's a very sound strong limbed horse and I don't see any problems with faster going or deeper going it will all come alike to him.
“There is no need to look beyond a mile. When you have a horse like that you don't need to think about going further.”
It was a 35th career Group 1 winner for winning jockey Kevin Manning.
Paddpower made the winner 16/1 (from 25/1) for the 2,000 Guineas while Ladbrokes are now 14/1 having been the same price.
