GOFFS VINCENT O’BRIEN

NATIONAL STAKES

(GROUP 1)

HE went into the race as the best two-year-old seen out in Ireland so far this year and Air Force Blue emerged from the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes with his status as his trainer’s foremost Guineas challenger confirmed.

A smooth winner of the Phoenix Stakes over six furlongs here last month, the O’Brien-trained son of War Front faced an interesting test. His form was much the best on offer but the slow ground was a notable concern and he was also trying his hand over seven furlongs for the first time.

Joseph O’Brien’s mount couldn’t have done any more in accounting for his five rivals – three of whom had already won at Group 2 level. The 10/11 chance travelled supremely well and from a long way out he looked to have this race under control. He had still to come off the bridle nearing the last furlong and he only needed to be shaken up in the closing stages to brush aside the Futurity Stakes winner Herald The Dawn by three lengths.

“We took a chance running him on that ground. He’s a smooth moving, fast ground horse and he’s very exciting,” said O’Brien who was recording his 10th triumph in this race. “Joseph said he was running away at all stages of the race. He’s a horse with a lot of speed and he got that trip very well. He’s already done plenty this year but if he did have another run this season the Dewhurst would look the race to go for him. He’s a miler to look forward to for next year.”

With regard to 2016 the omens are good for Air Force Blue as his trainer’s last four winners of this race, Gleneagles, Power, Mastercraftsman and George Washington, all won classics at three.