Dutch Masterpiece (black cap with white spots) stays on best under Joseph O'Brien to beat Hamza (blue blinkers)© Photo Healy Racing
Dutch Masterpiece kept on best in the closing stages to land Group 3 Flying Five Stakes under Joseph O’Brien (double for him after his success aboard Terrific in the opener) for UK based trainer Gary Moore.
The progressive three-year-old son of Dutch Art was stepping up in class this afternoon, after winning handicaps on his last two outings at Chester and York respectively.
He was well-fancied to complete his hat-trick today, and having opened at 6/1 with Paddy Power last night, he was available at just 7/2 this morning, before easing on track out to his starting price of 4/1. Hamza for Kevin Ryan and Pat Smullen, was sent off the 5/2 favourite, and he made the early running alongside Judge ‘N Jury, as the winner settled close behind.
The gelded bay victor then got a lovely split through runners inside the final furlong, keeping on best to score by half a length at the line.
Hamza plugged on to take second while Russian Soul (6/1) was best of the Irish, a neck back in third under Shane Foley for Mick Halford.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He jumped and he travelled well. The ground is quick, safe ground.
"It took a bit of time to get comfortable in the race. He got a nice split through and he went to the line well.
"It looked a decent enough race on paper. Mr Moore was very happy with him and he thought he had a massive chance if the ground was safe enough."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
