3 days ago
Diamond Necklace sparkles on debut for Aidan O'Brien
Aidan O'Brien is harbouring Group One hopes for Diamond Necklace after a straightforward success over a better-fancied stablemate in the Grand Hotel Malahide Irish EBF Fillies Juvenile Race at the Curragh.
A St Mark's Basilica half-sister to top-level scorers Chicquita and Magic Wand, Diamond Necklace was sent off a 9-1 shot under Wayne Lordan on her debut, with Ryan Moore opting to ride Minerva instead.
Moore's mount raced prominently throughout and as Diamond Necklace really hit her stride in the closing stages, Minerva had no answer and had to settle for a length-and-a-half defeat.
O'Brien is anticipating plenty of progress from the winner and said: "She's a lovely filly with a great pedigree.
"Her dad didn't win a maiden for another three weeks so that's St Mark's Basilica for you. He went on to win the Dewhurst and how he improved from two to three was incredible.
"She could end up being one for the Fillies' Mile with maybe a run or two in between. She's going to be lovely next year."
Paddy Power make Diamond Necklace a 25-1 chance for next year's 1000 Guineas.
O'Brien and Moore had claimed the preceding Audi Naas Irish EBF Maiden in style as Mission Central (4-1) galloped home eight lengths clear of Chicago Pope.
The son of No Nay Never was out of the places on his initial outing in April but O'Brien felt a subsequent gelding operation had the desired effect.
He said: "We ran him in Dundalk the first day and he was a bit worse than green, so that's why we took him home and gelded him.
"He's been perfect since and we'll go up to a Listed or Group race with him next time. He's a very quick horse."
Geryon sprang an 18-1 surprise for Ger Lyons in the opening Revamp Conservation And Restoration Irish EBF Maiden, although the trainer was not shocked to see Colin Keane's mount prevail.
He said: "We have two colts that we like, this fella and Res Ipsa who ran at Leopardstown on Thursday. Res Ipsa fluffed his lines so I suppose it took away confidence and hence his starting price, but they are two similar horses.
"You would like to think there would be plenty of improvement as it was his first day away from Glenburnie and first day on turf.
"The best-looking horse I had by Lope de Vega was Endless Drama, who was second in the Guineas, and this is the second best one I've had by him. He's a very good-looking colt."
