Wootton Bassett Colt Blows Them Away On Debut

River Tiber (2c Wootton Bassett - Transcendence, by Arcano) announced himself as an exciting prospect when blitzing his rivals in Saturday’s two-year-old maiden at Navan.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained newcomer was sent off a short-priced favourite under Ryan Moore, who rode the bay in a prominent position. Travelling strongly throughout, he led approaching the final furlong and was pushed along to quicken clear. Running on strongly, he led by all of ten lengths on the line, as Zona Verde (Calyx) finished best of the remainder.

“He was very impressive,” stable representative Chris Armstrong said after the race. “His homework has been strong at home and it is great that he brought the same to the track. He's a lovely horse and you love everything about him - athletic, physical and a good mind.”

On future plans, Armstrong added, “He's one that could go to the winners' race in Naas or maybe something like the Marble Hill at the Curragh, and then hopefully on to Ascot.”

O’Brien won last year’s running with Aesop’s Fables (No Nay Never), who won the Group 2 Futurity Stakes on his next start, while the 2021 winner went on to be Group-placed twice.

His latest winner is owned by Coolmore partners with Brant and Westerberg, having been bought by MV Magnier and White Birch Farm as a yearling for 480,000gns. The son of Wootton Bassett was bred and sold by Pier House Stud.