Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes |
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| Group 1, Curragh 16:15 €350,000 added, 2yo, 7f, Class 1  |
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| Sunday 10th September 2017 | |
1 Verbal Dexterity 5-2
2 Beckford 6-4
3 Rostropovich 7-1
7 ran NR: Gustav Klimt Distances: 3½l, 2¾l, 4½l
Time: 1m 27.32s (slow by 3.82s)
Verbal Dexterity wins for Bolger and Manning
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Jim Bolger's Verbal Dexterity created a huge impression when making a winning debut over the course and distance in early June before finding only Beckford too strong in the Railway Stakes.
Having since been narrowly denied in the Phoenix Stakes, Beckford was the 6-4 favourite to go one better and provide Gordon Elliott with a first Group One victory on the Flat, but 5-2 chance Verbal Dexterity reversed previous form in some style.
Verbal Dexterity and Aidan O'Brien's Rostropovich were both being ridden passing the two-furlong marker and Beckford looked likely to assert after looming up ominously under Pat Smullen.
But Verbal Dexterity responded generously to Kevin Manning's urgings to stay in the fight and he eventually came home with three and a half lengths in hand.
Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (Group 1)
€350,000 added, 2yo only, 7f
7 ran
Going: Soft
| Pos | Dr | D | Horse SP | Jockey Weight | Trainer | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | (4) | Verbal Dexterity (IRE) 5/2 | K J Manning 9-3 |
J S Bolger | 2 | |
| 2nd | (6) | 3½ | Beckford 6/4f | P J Smullen 9-3 |
G Elliott | 2 |
| 3rd | (5) | 2¾ | Rostropovich (IRE) 7/1 | R L Moore 9-3 |
A P O'Brien | 2 |
| 4th | (1) | 4½ | Coat Of Arms (IRE) 8/1 | D O'Brien 9-3 |
A P O'Brien | 2 |
| 5th | (7) | ½ | Lethal Steps 16/1 | C T Keane 9-3 |
G M Lyons | 2 |
| 6th | (3) | 2¼ | Brother Bear (IRE) 7/1 | C O'Donoghue 9-3 |
Mrs J Harrington | 2 |
| 7th | (8) | 6 | Berkeley Square (IRE) 20/1 | J A Heffernan 9-3 |
A P O'Brien | 2 |
| NR | (2) | Gustav Klimt (IRE) | R L Moore 9-3 |
A P O'Brien | 2 |
