GOFFS VINCENT O’BRIEN

NATIONAL STAKES

(GROUP 1)

VERBAL DEXTERITY, who looked something out of the ordinary on his debut here in June, more than confirmed that initial impression, to fuel thoughts that he could end the season at the head of Europe’s juvenile standings.

A fourth winner of the race for Jim Bolger, Verbal Dexterity (5/2) answered every question asked of him and more in accounting for old rival Beckford.

With the Dewhurst Stakes now on the agenda, Verbal Dexterity will head down the tried and tested path that his trainer has used with such Coolcullen luminaries as New Approach, Teofilo and Dawn Approach.

All the way back in June, this flagbearer for Bolger’s own stallion, Vocalised, posted a stunning effort first time out to win a maiden by nine and a half lengths. He then ran commendably when second in the Railway Stakes but a return to seven furlongs on ground that held no fears for him was always going to play to his strengths.

The market for this race revolved around Beckford and the Kevin Manning-ridden Verbal Dexterity and the race bore that out as the aforementioned pair had the outcome to themselves over the last couple of furlongs.

Beckford travelled especially well as he looked to give Gordon Elliott a first Group 1 success but Verbal Dexterity, who had started to come under pressure shortly after halfway, proved a resilient opponent.

STAMINA

With over a furlong to run Beckford seemed to be travelling the better of the pair and he possibly edged ahead for a period but he could never shake off the Jackie Bolger-owned colt. As Beckford’s stamina ebbed away, Verbal Dexterity was much the stronger over the last 200 yards and he powered away to score by three and a half lengths. The Futurity Stakes hero Rostropovich was a further two and three-quarter lengths away in third.

“He’s a very good colt. I loved him the first day he ran and then I made the mistake of coming back to six furlongs in the Railway. He needs seven furlongs and over this trip I was confident of reversing the Railway form,” said Bolger after welcoming back the winner and groom Tom Walsh.

“This colt is the real deal and he’s as good as any of the other horses that I’ve won this race with. He’s got a marvellous temperament, he’s a great looker and he goes on any ground. I would think that he will go for the Dewhurst next.”

Gordon Elliott expressed himself happy with Beckford as his charge posted a second runner-up finish at Group 1 level.

“He’s run very well with no excuses and he just got outstayed over the last furlong. Looking at that I would say that he will probably come back to six furlongs and head for the Middle Park Stakes next,” reported Elliott.