Speedy Jupiter Out Of This World

Jupiter Pluvius maintained his unbeaten record in the Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown to provide a bright spot for Aidan O'Brien.

After the sad demise of George Washington in the Breeders' Cup Classic and the news Scorpion might miss the Melbourne Cup, O'Brien was due a change of fortune.

And it duly came when 6-4 favourite Jupiter Pluvius arrived on the scene with a strong run to trump his rivals in the seven-furlong Group Three event.

Partnered by Seamus Heffernan, the son of Johannesburg responded well to get on top inside the distance and repel runner-up Famous Name (4-1) by three-quarters of a length.

Billyford took third spot at 16-1 in an eventful renewal that saw Shane Gorey thrown from the saddle after bunching forced his mount, Amended, through the rails with over a furlong to run.

Heffernan always looked to have matters in hand on the winner and said: 'I like him and he has got a good attitude.'

O'Brien's Footstepsinthesand took this race three years ago before going on to lift the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket the following year and bookmakers were quick to react to the success.

VC Bet cut Jupiter Pluvius to 12-1 from 16s for the Headquarters Classic, while William Hill went 14-1 from 20s. Cashmans were content to leave him unchanged at 20-1.

Heffernan admitted he had plenty of confidence in Jupiter Pluvius coming into the race, and added: 'He's always worked nicely and I fancied him coming here. He's a progressive type.

'He had been ticking over and when we went to the Curragh (last time) we knew he was a nice horse. It turned out he was nicer than we thought.

'I was impressed with him today against a strong field with plenty of chances,' he told At The Races.

Heffernan and O'Brien went on to land a double when Plan justified favouritism at 11-4 with an easy win in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

Quickening to lead at the distance, Heffernan's mount powered away from Tarkari to score by five and a half lengths.

(C) PA Sport