Maputo (green) is driven out by Joe Fanning to beat Caponata© Photo Healy Racing
English raider Maputo continued on the upgrade as he ran out a game winner of the Group 3 Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh. Scintillula took them along in the ten furlong contest but was strongly pressed from the three marker. Maputo hit the front two furlongs from home and kept on strongly in the closing stages to hold Caponata at bay by a length.
The well-backed 5/4 favourite (7/4 this morning) was making it six wins from eight career starts. He had graduated from handicaps to land Hamilton listed race last time and was tackling group company for the first time today.
“It didn't look as impressive as some of his wins but they were in handicap company,” said Johnston.
“I was a little unsure of his performance at Hamilton whether that was his best and Joe said he felt a much better horse today.
“Dermot (Weld) thinks an awful lot of the second and he thought that was a good performance.
“I was hopeful more than confident, particularly coming over here as you don't know what you are up against. He is progressive but had only won a five-runner Listed race.
“We'll go home and have a think about where he goes. Joe said it was very fast ground and he seemed to handle it okay – I think he'll handle any ground.”
