MOSS Tucker (112) reversed Cork form with Tenebrism (102) to land the Listed Woodlands Stakes at Naas on Monday and maintain his superb record over the minimum trip when the word soft or heavy appears in the going description.
Ken Condon’s five-year-old has suffered defeat just once in four runs when encountering what look to be his perfect conditions, that defeat incurred when he missed the break in the Prix de l’Abbaye last season.
This was also a clear career best for the son of Excelebration as he backed up his lofty time figure with a rapid closing sectional on the night.
In covering the ground from the course intersection in 39.74secs, he was 3.13secs quicker than course specialist Blairmayne (96) who was recording his fourth win at the Co Kildare track and 1.9secs faster than previous course winner Red Letter Bray (89).
Aidan O’Brien still committed Tenebrism to Royal Ascot, with the Greenland Stakes at the Curragh a likely steppingstone to the Diamond Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs. The Caravaggio filly posted 40.04secs for her closing sectional.
Ribchestina (84+) made a pleasing debut for in-form Sheila Lavery, showing strength and speed in equal measure to squeeze through a gap to challenge in the opening two-year-old maiden.