POINT Lonsdale (109+) will undoubtedly achieve more on the clock as the season progresses, although there was plenty to like about the way in which the Ballydoyle colt finished his race on his reappearance at the Curragh last Sunday.
Visualisation (108) looked to have put his race fitness to good use as he established what looked to be an unassailable lead. However, with Wayne Lordan keen to ensure his mount enjoyed a kind seasonal introduction while also striving to win the race, the son of Australia found his stride in the final furlong, completing his race in 39.50secs.
The context of the sectional is provided by maiden winner Bright Legend (100) covering the same ground in 42.23secs.
Aidan O’Brien has targets over further in mind for the four-year-old with races such as the Coronation Stakes at Epsom on the agenda.
Irish debut
Goldana (115) clocked the fastest time on the straight course when making a successful debut for Joseph O’Brien.
Recently recruited from Germany, it was no surprise the filly thrived on the soft ground as, after looking in trouble when the pace first lifted, she stayed on strongly.
Sectionals were difficult to assess due to the camera angles, so the final 200yds were the only guide.
The daughter of Galileo Gold covered the ground in 13.10secs, which compared favourably with 96-rated handicap winner Hurricane Ivor (110) who stopped the clock in 13.86secs.
The way in which Goldana ran through the line would suggest an extra furlong will see her improve further, which would fit nicely with her entry in the Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown in early May.
Although neither two-year-old registered an outstanding time figure, there were signs of better to come, especially for Porta Fortuna (88+) who easily fashioned the quickest finish. Jockey Gavin Ryan produced the filly from last place to cover the closing stages in 11.57secs, in comparison Democracy (84+) stopped the clock at 13.01secs.
Donnacha O’Brien highlighted a six-furlong contest at Naas on Royal Ascot trials day as the next target for his daughter of Caravaggio, expressing the view the extra furlong would pose no problem which would open up the Albany Stakes or the Queen Mary as possibles for the Royal Meeting.
Ellie Moore (88) and Neo Smart (88) look surefire maiden winners.