Master Of Reality clear in Down Royal© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien's Master Of Reality warmed up for another crack at the Melbourne Cup with a decisive victory in Her Majesty's Plate at Down Royal.
The five-year-old gelding went off 1/2 favourite for this Listed assignment over a mile and six furlongs.
He travelled well into the lead with over a quarter of a mile to race and strode home to win by three and a half lengths. Barbados (4/1) couldn't land a glove on him but came home second. He was two and a quarter lengths in front of Rakan at 9/2.
Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: Lovely confidence booster for him more than anything. I was just saying to Wayne (Lordan) that the last time he won was April last year - the Vintage Crop (in Navan) when he beat Mustajeer, Southern France, Capri and horses like that.
"He ran well at the Curragh the last time, and it is nice to get this. Being owned by Mr Williams I would think he will be off to Australia now.
"We've got a few pencilled in (for the Melbourne Cup), the same ones again. He will be one of those and I think he will go into quarantine after this I would have thought if that is what they are planning. I think that is the plan with him."
Master Of Reality was demoted to fourth from second in last year's Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
Paddy Power make him a 25/1 chance for this year's renewal.
