English/Ire
Gstaad glides to Coventry glory
Aidan O’Brien enjoyed a record-extending eleventh victory in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday when Gstaad produced a power-packed performance to land the spoils under Ryan Moore.
On the absent Albert Einstein, O'Brien added: “He Despite ante-post market leader Albert Einstein being ruled out of the race in the weeks leading up to the Royal meeting, the boys of Ballydoyle remained in pole position to strike in the opening two-year-old contes as Gstaad was sent off a well-backed 7/2 chance for the all-conquering Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore team.
A half-brother to the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes hero Vandeek, Gstaad travelled powerfully down the centre of the track before making eye-catching headway to strike the front with two furlongs to go.
In all truth, from there on it, those in behind the were chasing shadows as the son of Starspangledbanner lengthened his stride, putting further distance between himself and his rivals.
Clive Cox’s Coppull (66/1) ran on well towards the near side rail, while the Ed Walker-trained Do Or Do Not (80/1) produced a late run on the far side, but neither could match the finishing kick of Gstaad, who ultimately ran out a decisive three-length winner.
Do Or Do Not got the better of Coppull by a neck for the runner-up spot, with Joseph O’Brien’s Andab back in third.
Paddy Power cut the winner to 14/1 (from 50s) for next year’s 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
“I am absolutely delighted,” said O’Brien of the winner, who got the better of his well-touted stablemate True Love on debut at Navan.
“He looks a very good horse, doesn’t he? We have always loved him. He had only had the one run, but he has always worked like a good horse.
“He is big, scopey, has a good stride and is very genuine; he goes with his head down and he has loads of speed. He looks like he will get further than six furlongs.
“Ryan rode him very positive. He let him find himself in the first half and then he came home very well. I was surprised tacking up how big he is. He got the trip very well, so I am delighted for everyone.
“We are just so lucky to be working with such unbelievable horses, and Ryan riding them is incredible. It is a big team and it's a privilege to be involved in the whole thing."
When asked if Group 1’s will be on the card for this horse next, O’Brien said: “I would imagine so.”
felt like something we didn't have before. The first day he worked, he was probably the most different horse we have ever seen – he was so quick. We haven't had horses as quick as he is but as big as he is. He is very exciting."
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