Stakes Aim For Smart No Nay Never Colt

The progeny of Coolmore sires claimed four of the five juvenile maidens at Naas on Thursday, beginning with Antelope Canyon (2c No Nay Never – Wannabe Loved, by Pivotal) in the six furlong maiden.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt finished fifth in a competitive maiden over course and distance and was reunited with Wayne Lordan on his second start. The bay broke to make all and was ridden when headed approaching the final furlong. He dug deep to regain the lead and ran on well to beat the favourite by half a length, with the pair rallying five and a half lengths clear of the third.

“Wayne thought he has the makings of a lovely horse,” stable representative Chris Armstrong said after the race. “We might go for something like the Legacy Stakes at Dundalk with him next and hopefully he turns into a Guineas trial horse next year.”

Owned by Coolmore partners, the son of No Nay Never was bred by Lynch Bages Ltd and Lindy Farms.