Johannes Vermeer beats Success Days© Photo Healy Racing
Johannes Vermeer could be set for a trip Down Under after his victory in the Finlay Volvo International Stakes at the Curragh.
Ryan Moore tucked the 5/2 favourite in behind the leaders in the ten furlong Group Two contest before making his move to challenge front-runner Success Days a furlong from home.
The Galileo colt was driven out 'hands and heels' inside the final furlong, getting on top close home for a half length success.
The winner had been seventh behind stable-mate Highland Reel in the Prince Of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot on his last outing.
It was a double on the card for Moore and trainer Aidan O'Brien following the opening race win of Gustav Klimt
“You'd be delighted with that. Ryan said he might even stay further,” said O'Brien.
“He said he travels well, quickens well but doesn't do an awful lot when he gets to the front.
“Ryan said he could be a Caulfield Cup horse. He has has options and we'll see. We'll look at races over a mile-and-a-quarter and a mile-and-a-half.
“That's very good ground today and he has form on soft ground as well.”
Paddypower make the winner a 25/1 shot for the Caulfield Cup.
Ken Condon said of the runner-up Success Days:- “He ran a cracker again, and obviously another shower or two would have helped his cause. He was also just chinned at Naas earlier this year and it would be great to get his head back in front.
“He will probably come back here for the Royal Whip but would only run in the Irish Champion Stakes this year if it is genuine soft ground.”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
