Century City could be heading for a career in the United States after landing the featured Goffs International Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.
The Danzig colt, runner-up to stablemate Rock Of Gibraltar in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, was bought by American Thomas Nichols earlier this week, and the purchase paid immediate dividends. Michael Kinane's mount led over a furlong out to beat the staying on Common World by a neck, with Wrong Key holding every chance a further half a length back in third. The placings remained unaltered after a stewards enquiry, but Colm O'Donoghue was given a seven days suspension for improper riding as his mount Temple Of Artemis caused interference when weakening well over a furlong out.
'He will go next for the Travers Stakes at Saratoga, and may stay out in the States to be trained there,' said Aidan O'Brien.
The Ballydoyle trainer earlier saddled a 1-2 in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes where odds-on Ontario quickened up nicely approaching the furlong pole to beat Spartacus by a length and a half. 'He's a lovely horse, and has plenty of options now including the Phoenix Stakes here next month,' said O'Brien.
Punters got off to a good start in the Newbridge Hire EBF Fillies Maiden, with Luminata driven out by Kevin Manning for a workmanlike length and a half verdict over Just Hitched. 'She's a filly with a future, and wouldn't be mad about the ground (heavy) today,' said trainer Jim Bolger.
Bolger and Manning later doubled up with Erinella in the Watch The Leinster Final At The Curragh Handicap resulting in one lucky jackpot punter scooping a dividend of e77,262.
Triple Try benefitted from a fine tactical ride by champion Pat Smullen to take the EBF Fillies Handicap, making all and just holding on by a neck from Twilight Breeze. The latter's jockey, Kevin Manning, was given a day suspension for careless riding after an incident at the home turn involving Marie Pavie.
Alan Magee
