COVENTRY STAKES

(GROUP 2)

THERE is nothing new in Aidan O’Brien winning the Group 2 Coventry Stakes. He had done it seven times before, but there was something about Caravaggio’s triumph that had onlookers thinking he could be very special indeed.

Still with quite bit of running to do at half-way, Caravaggio could be seen making rapid strides up the centre of the course with Ryan Moore looking very confident. Going right through with his effort, the 13/8 favourite powered past Mehmas and Frankie Dettori after that horse had taken Yalta’s measure.

The winning margin was just over two lengths, with Ger Lyons’ Psychedelic Funk running a fine race up the centre to finish third.

Caravaggio, unbeaten after earlier wins at Dundalk and the Curragh, got quotes of 6/1 or shorter for next year’s 2000 Guineas.

He is by the late Scat Daddy, whose progeny include Ascot winners No Nay Never, Acapulco, last week’s US Grade 1 mile winner Celestine and two winners of the Chilean Derby.

O’Brien, who takes a wry view of his own enthusiasm where so many Ballydoyle bluebloods are concerned, was reticent this time.

“I have to be careful what I say but he was always very exciting,” he smiled. “When the rain came I thought we might have him in the wrong race and should have gone for the Norfolk. I hadn’t been sure he would stay a mile next year because he’s so quick, but looking at him there you’d think there could be a chance.”

Ryan Moore said: “At this stage of his career he would be the best [Coventry Stakes winner] I have sat on. His performance was top class - he had to win two races.”

Apparently, the trainer sounded rather more bullish later on when talking to Lyons, who has every reason to suppose Psychedelic Funk will win top prizes.

“My horses go into a different world when the ground goes soft; they just hate it,” he said.

The first three could all meet again in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes.