Troubadour got his season off to a winning start when easily justifying odds of 1/3 in the Darley Stallions Race at a well-attended Naas this evening.
The Danehill colt, a creditable fifth in the Dewhurst Stakes last autumn, faced just two rivals and stretched clear after striking the front over a furlong out to score by six lengths.
'Troubadour's a lovely horse and, if he comes out of this race well, may go for the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. The Juddmonte International at York is also a possible for him,' said Aidan O'Brien.
The Dermot Weld-trained Descriptive showed the benefit of her debut at Limerick last month when making virtually all to take the juvenile maiden under Pat Smullen.
The Desert King filly stayed on gamely under pressure to deny newcomer Camouflage, who got going just too late, by half a length.
'She has obviously improved a lot from her first run, and we'll probably step her up in trip now. She may go next for a nursery, and hopefully can pick up some black type in time,' said trainer's son Mark.
Athboy trainer Jane Thomas recorded her first success since taking out a licence earlier this year when Street Of Steel proved a shock winner of the handicap hurdle.
Denis O'Regan sent the four-year-old to the front before the straight, and he stayed on well to beat favourite Almier by two and a half lengths.
Ms Thomas, who has 15 horses in training, is now looking forward to running Sum Leader in the Galway Plate next week.
Sit And Settle gained reward for her consistency in the seven furlongs handicap, prominent throughout under Padraig Beggy and holding on by half a length from fellow 11/2 joint favourite Set Barabbas Free.
A maiden hurdle at the Ballybrit Festival is next on the agenda for Irish Stream, who battled well on the far rail to get the better of Caviar Royale by half a length in the mile handicap.
The father and son partnership of Christy and Padraig Roche teamed up to take the bumper with Oaklawn, who overcame trouble in running to beat Peach Royale by 3/4L.
Alan Magee
