CRYPTO Force (76+) repaid the patience of his trainer Michael Callaghan with a clear-cut victory in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes to banish the disappointment of Royal Ascot.
In a slowly run race, Colin Keane delivered the Amo Racing-owned two-year-old from the rear of the small field, posting a closing sectional of 36.53secs on his way to a two-and-a-half length victory over front runner Adelaide River (73+).
Unfortunately, the three-furlong marker was not visible for all the races on the straight track, although a comparison with Half Nutz, who stopped the clock at 37.02secs, demonstrates the effect to which the son of Time Test finished off his race.
The Curragh trainer mentioned the 2000 Guineas as a possible target although his breeding suggests he will be more effective over middle distances. The defeat of Auguste Rodin on his debut is further confirmation of his potential.
Half Nutz (100) was recording his first victory for Johnny Murtagh with a comfortable success in the concluding handicap. The overall time was marginally faster than the Goffs Million over the same distance although the gap widened when comparing the closing sectionals. The relevant data being 40.83secs and 41.87secs for Half Nutz and Galeron (98) respectively.
Focusing on the handicap, tracker entries can be made for Dunum (96) who ran well against the draw on his return from a break, while Pale Iris (94+) confirmed she is in good from with another solid effort. An interrupted closing sectional of 40.58secs suggests her winning turn is not far away.
Gordon Bennett (97+) posted the fastest closing sectional of the day with his 38.85secs enabling him to run down his field and win going away.
Richard Brabazon’s gelding has run faster this season, most notably when beating One Sweet Day in early August over six furlongs. The four-year-old is versatile in terms of trip and as form figures of 228151 portray he clearly enjoys racing at headquarters.
The card opened with a convincing victory for Small Oasis (93+) who previously caught the eye on her debut at Naas behind Spirit Gal. The daughter of Sioux Nation put her experience to good use, stretching clear of her field courtesy of a closing sectional of 39.79secs.
Only Gordon Bennett was quicker, racing over the minimum distance.
The only other race of note on the clock was the victory of Life In Colour (86+) who improved for his 174-day break and the application of a visor.
The overall time was quicker than Small Oasis although the closing sectional slower with the Showcasing filly stopping the clock at 40.49secs.
To complete the data, Mile End (72) finished off his race in 41.14secs, against the slowest gallop of the day, while French Rescue (65) took advantage of a fading Star Of Cashel, covering the closing sectional in a pedestrian 43.84secs.