Ballydoyle Juveniles Complete Double For Wootton Bassett

Twain (2c Wootton Bassett – Wading, by Montjeu) completed a smart double for Wootton Bassett at Leopardstown on Saturday when drawing clear in the seven furlong maiden.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained newcomer made all under Mark Crehan and began to draw clear with over two furlongs left to race. Ridden a furlong later, he was pushed out to score by six lengths from stablemates Mississippi River and Serengeti (Wootton Bassett).

“I'm not sure if we'll get him out again before the end of the year,” Ballydoyle representative Chris Armstrong commented. “He's a lovely horse to look forward to for next year, to bring him back for a Guineas trial. He's a lovely stamp of a horse and another exciting one by Wootton Bassett.”

He was one of four Coolmore homebreds to win on the card, another one being Serious Contender (2c Wootton Bassett – Lugnaquilla, by Galileo), who led home a 1-2-3 in the earlier mile maiden.

A promising fourth on debut and runner-up next time out, Aidan O’Brien’s charge was sent off favourite under Wayne Lordan and raced prominently throughout. Ridden to lead approaching the final furlong, he was headed but battled back to regain the advantage and led by half a length on the line. Kilcrea Rock (Wootton Bassett) claimed runners-up honours, while newcomer Woodshaw Whisper (Wootton Bassett) showed promise in third.

Chris Armstrong later said, “It's a good sign that Wayne felt he's still very raw and hopefully he'll step up as a three-year-old. He's a horse that stays very well and he'd be one to bring back for a Derby trial but you wouldn't be surprised if he even stepped up a bit further and would be a lovely staying horse for next year.”