Monogram provides a symbol of hope Monogram justified strong market support, coming from last to first to get there in the dying strides in the Coolmore Stud St Mark's Basilica Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh. Joseph O'Brien's colt, by Kingman out of the dual Group 3 winner Pocket Square, broke slowly and was held up in the rear for the majority of this contest. Dylan Browne McMonagle seemed at pains to slow his mount down and educate him before starting to make a gradual move down the centre under three furlongs out. The 4/6 favourite, was asked for his effort over one furlong out and made rapid gains, getting to the long-time leader Salt Lake (14/1) in the dying strides to score by a short head. Noble Exhibit kept on for third at 16/1. This was a high-class debut, and the Juddmonte-owned colt should prove to be a Group 1 performer and one to keep an eye on for the future, especially with his Dewhurst Stakes entry. Winning trainer O’Brien commented how, "He looked nice. We wanted him to relax early and I thought his last furlong was good. It was obvious from his homework that he was a nice horse. It was an impressive debut. You don't expect him to do that after he fell out of the gates. “It's just really nice to have a horse for the Juddmonte team and for the family. I suppose we'll see how he pulls up before making plans. He has won his maiden so whether you'd like to go somewhere between now and a big race we'll discuss it and see.” Additional reporting by John O’Riordan.
