Expensive purchase Daytona makes winning debut for O'Brien The well-bred Aidan O'Brien trained juvenile Daytona made a winning racecourse debut when readily landing the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Gowran Park. A 500,000gns son of Wootton Bassett, the Jack Cleary partnered newcomer was easy to back, drifting from evens out to an SP of 3/1. However, in the race itself, those that kept the faith had few worries, as the Ballydoyle colt travelled strongly before quickening up to lead over two-furlongs out. Staying on nicely inside the final furlong, Daytona had two-and-a-half lengths to spare over Melismatic at the finish. “He was very professional. He was showing plenty of ability at home but although he had a good draw it’s tricky for one first time,” said stable representative Chris Armstrong. “He gave him a lovely ride, jumped and got a lead the whole way. When it started to open up in the straight he showed a good attitude, and he lengthened the whole way to the line. “He found that ground no problem but he’ll go on better ground. He’ll even appreciate going another furlong. “We’ll see how he comes out of it, there is three weeks until the new Listed Pat Smullen race at Naas over a mile or he might be one for the El Gran Senor (Tipperary August 8th). “He’s definitely a nice horse in the making.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
