Aidan O'Brien's Galileo justified favouritism in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial and is now a firm 4/1 (from 6/1) shot with Cashmans for the Epsom Derby.
Seamus Heffernan was happy to sit in behind aboard the 8/15 shot as stable-companion El Bueno led from the outset but the fav. responded gamely when asked the question to forge ahead at the distance for a 1 1/2L win over Exaltation.
'He has a low action and prefers good ground and every time Seamus asked him there was more there. He has a lot of speed,' said O'Brien.
John Oxx ruled out the Epson Oaks for Rayana after she trailed in last of the quintet in the Derby Trial.
Jim Bolger's Speirbhean sprang a surprise under Kevin Manning in the 1,000 Guineas Trial when staying on well to hold Najah while Ice Dancer (1/2-4/7-8/15f) survived a stewards enquiry after scoring under Colm O'Donoghue in the 12f maiden.
It was not all plain sailing for O'Donoghue as he was banned for 3 days for careless riding aboard Ice Dancer but earlier in the day was lucky to escape injury when he was unshipped from Dream in the straight.
Dermot Weld nominated the 7f EBF fillies handicap at Cork this Friday for his filly Caumshinaun (10/1) after Pat Smullen partnered her to a narrow victory over 16/1 shot Don't Surrender in the 6f handicap.
Earlier Eddie Ahern teamed up with the Frank Ennis-trained Mahsusie (5/1-6/1-5/1) to win the 6f maiden while Eddie Lynam's newcomer High Society upset odds-on Sophisticat (4/6-4/5-8/11) in the opener.
The winner which only cost #4,000 will be aimed for the Marble Hill Stakes according to winning connections.
Edward O'Grady's Izmir was subject of good support from 10/1-5/1 but it was stable-companion Albatros (9/2-6/1) which prevailed in the 12f handicap under Kevin Manning.
Aidan O'Brien and Seamus Heffernan ended the day in winning style when Hill Of Tara got the better of Tarry Flynn after a tremendous duel from the furlong pole in the Amethyst Stakes.
..
