Saturn in charge in the closing stages© Photo Healy Racing
The favourite Time To Tell didn't fire in the mile and a half maiden in Dundalk, but the regally-bred Saturn certainly put his best foot forward.
By Galileo out of the top-class Alpha Centauri, he had been placed on his first three outings for Jessica Harrington.
He clearly enjoyed stepping up to 1m4f as he got the measure of Banana Three and forged on in the final furlong to win nicely by two and a-half lengths at 10/3.
Banana Three put in a good shift but was outgunned in second at 13/2. He was a length and a quarter ahead of Garrybello (50/1).
The easy-to-back Time To Tell (11/10f) was eased out of contention once his chance had gone.
“He had a really good run at the Curragh the first day and then we probably ran him on ground that was a little bit too soft for him the second day,” said assistant trainer Kate Harrington.
“Shane (Foley) got off him that day and said 'don't run him on that ground again and step him up to a mile-and-a-half'.
“We were short of options and were kind of forced into running him over a mile-and-a-quarter here. He was just caught for a bit of toe inside the last furlong and finished a good third that day.
“We sat and waited for this mile-and-a-half maiden with him. Scott (McCullagh) said he did it very impressively and he'd have no problem even stepping up to a mile-and-six.
“I think physically he's gotten an awful lot stronger. He's been this size since he came into us as a yearling and he's only really starting to furnish and get his mind on the job as well.
“I love the way he did it there and it's very exciting going forward.
“We'll keep him on a good surface. We rolled the dice that day running him on a bit softer surface as he had done a few bits of work on a bit softer but he's just like his mother, he likes to gallop down the road.
“We're very lucky as we've had the first three progeny out of her and I'd say Aidan (O'Brien) will have the rest!
“We've got a really nice full-sister who is a little bit bigger and lovely Circus Maximus yearling, she is a little bit neater so we might hopefully see her as a two-year-old.”
The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr.D.Maher, that G.F. Carroll, rider of War Correspondent placed 5th, had failed to present himself to weigh in after this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that it was an oversight on his behalf and apologised for his error. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that G.F.Carroll was in breach of Rule 227(i) in that he had failed to present himself to weigh in as required and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards disqualified War Correspondent in accordance with the provisions of Rule 230(ii). Result now reads, First; Saturn, Second; Banana Three, Third; Garrybello, Fourth; Free Flow Fifth; Nakassama
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
