Smart Quickfire Double For Saxon Warrior

The highly-rated Victoria Road (2c Saxon Warrior - Tickled Pink, by Invincible Spirit) completed a double for first crop sire Saxon Warrior when gaining a deserved maiden victory at Gowran Park.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained bay had finished second twice previously, including in a Curragh maiden, and was last seen finishing fourth in the valuable Ballyhane Stakes. Stepping up to seven furlongs on Wednesday, he made all under Wayne Lordan and was ridden approaching the final furlong. Keeping on well close home, he denied the favourite by half a length, while The Wild Grazer (Gustav Klimt) took third.

A step up in class is now on the cards for Victoria Road, with stable representative Chris Armstrong commenting, “The Futurity will probably come a bit soon but he is in the Champagne Stakes and the Golden Fleece at Leopardstown.”

Owned by Westerberg, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, Victoria Road came into the race with an official rating of 101. Bought by MV Magnier as a yearling for €115,000, the son of Saxon Warrior was bred by Trevor Stewart.

At Kempton just 15 minutes earlier, the James Tate-trained Behind The Scenes (2f Saxon Warrior - Doors To Manual, by Royal Academy) overcame a slow start to make a winning debut in the fillies’ novice stakes over seven furlongs.

Racing towards the back of the field under Rossa Ryan, she made headway approaching the final furlong and produced a strong challenge when ridden. Running on well to lead close home, she scored by three parts of a length.

Owned by Saeed Manana, Behind The Scenes was bred by Rabbah Bloodstock.