Imaging (pink cap) starts his run under Declan McDonogh© Photo Healy Racing
The Dermot Weld trained Imaging overcame some trouble in running to land the Listed Coolmore Zoffany Irish EBF Tetrarch Stakes.
Successful on his seasonal debut at Cork in March, the son of Oasis Dream finished second Gustav Klimt in the 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown on his last start.
Settled in mid-division today, the bay colt was fifth entering the straight. He was poised to challenge from the two furlong pole, but was short of room behind runners.
He finally got the gap he needed inside the final furlong, and burst through to lead inside the last 100 yards, keeping on well from there to score by three parts of a length. Would Be King who is still a maiden, finished second under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons at 5/1, while Brother Bear (7/1) was a nose away in third with Colm O'Donoghue aboard for Jessica Harrington.
Weld said afterwards: "What impressed me was the way he quickened through the gap when it eventually came. For a few strides it looked like he was going to be an unlucky loser.
"I thought it was a very good performance on ground that we think might be faster than ideal for him. I had toyed with the idea of going to the French Guineas but obviously we will wait and go to the Curragh (for the Guineas) which is the logical progression for him.
"I think it was a good competitive renewal of the Tetrarch and he's an improving colt. When he won his maiden last year by nine and a half lengths I said that he'd make into a Group horse and he is.
"A mile or a mile and a quarter should suit him well."
Weld continued to give an update on Contingent, saying: "Contingent is more backward than a lot of mine. She is entered (in the Blue Wind Stakes) at the Curragh on Saturday but it is unlikely at this stage that she will run."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Brother Bear, ridden by C. O'Donoghue, Romanised ridden by S. Foley, and Hence ridden by R.L. Moore. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that any interference caused was accidental and took no further action.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
