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1 Bolshoi Ballet EvsF
2 Lough Derg 9/1
3 Fernando Vichi 25/1
7 ran NR: Team Of Firsts Distances: 6l, ½l, nk
Time: 2m 7.37s (slow by 1.77s)
😍 This camera angle highlights the stunning turn of foot from Bolshoi Ballet on the turn for home in the Derrinstown at @LeopardstownRC for @Ballydoyle 😍 pic.twitter.com/kErPgTPJgv
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 9, 2021
Bolshoi Ballet laid down his claims for The Derby with a very impressive performance for Ryan Moore and Ballydoyle.
Aidan O’Brien’s Galileo colt was far too good for his rivals in the race which has been springboard to a succession of the Ballydoyle trainer’s champions over the years.
Ryan Moore tracked big outsider Wexford Soil in the early stages of the Group Three, before taking over with three furlongs to run and quickly scooting clear with a quarter of a mile to run.
The outcome was instantly beyond doubt, and the even-money favourite crossed the line six lengths clear of his vain pursuers, led by stablemate Lough Derg.
Mac Swiney failed to boost his Derby prospects by managing only a near seven-length fourth.
Bolshoi Ballet, who was following up his course-and-distance victory in the Ballysax Stakes last month, was quickly promoted to outright favouritism for next month’s Derby – at as short as 7-4 with MansionBet, as he follows a route famously trod by his sire.
He had previously shared the top of the market at around 5-1 with unbeaten stablemate High Definition, who had to miss his intended prep run in Lingfield’s Derby Trial on Saturday because of a poor blood test but may yet be in action in the Dante Stakes at York this week.
O’Brien was notable among the admirers of Bolshoi Ballet’s performance.
“He’s very uncomplicated, quickens, relaxes,” he said.
“We always loved him. He travelled to France last year (fifth in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud) in ground that we knew he wouldn’t like – but we wanted to travel him for experience.
“We are delighted with that and we couldn’t have asked for any more from him.
“There was an even pace which was great. He quickened well and he gets it (the trip).”
Moore added: “He’s a very professional horse and was always travelling beautifully through the race. He’s very smooth and ticks a lot of boxes.
“It was a proper test today, and that will stand him in good stead for what comes next.
“It’s very windy, and inexperienced horses are getting knocked around. He has a super attitude and is a straightforward horse.”
Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes
1m 2f , Race Value: €70,000
7 ran
Going: Good to Yielding
POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (2) Bolshoi Ballet 3 9-5 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore EvsF
2 (8) 6 Lough Derg 3 9-5 A P O'Brien Seamie Heffernan 9/1
3 (1) ½ Fernando Vichi 3 9-5 Donnacha O'Brien Gavin Ryan 25/1
4 (7) nk Mac Swiney 3 9-5 J S Bolger Kevin Manning 100/30
5 (6) ½ Taipan 3 9-5 Mrs John Harrington Shane Foley 5/1
6 (4) 1¼ Southern Lights 3 9-5 Joseph O'Brien Declan McDonogh 8/1
7 (3) 20 Wexford Soil 3 9-5 J S Bolger Rory Cleary 200/1
NR 7 (5) Team Of Firsts 3 9-5 G M Lyons NON RUNNER
