'I could see him as a Cup horse for next year' - The Euphrates the centrepiece on day of Ballydoyle domination

Aidan O'Brien won the Irish Cesarewich for the second time in three years with a three-year-old, as handicap debutant The Euphrates put up a powerful staying performance under Ryan Moore, landing a gamble in the process.

Backed from 10-1 the day before down to 7-2 favourite, the son of Frankel sat second for most of the journey in a race run at a good gallop and showed he is a talented young stayer in the manner in which he galloped on once taking it up early in the straight. It was a stark contrast to Wayne Lordan coming from almost last to first on Waterville for the stable in 2022.

The Euphrates has been campaigned in stakes races throughout the year. He finished sixth in the Irish Derby, having won a Listed race at Gowran Park, and had showed improvement over a trip when beaten just over three lengths behind Kyprios in the Irish St Leger two weeks previously.

O'Brien said: "He was very well handicapped, coming here after an unbelievable run in the Leger. Ryan gave him a great ride and he's just kept on improving. I could see him as a Cup horse for next year; he stays well and has that bit of class. He travelled very strongly at all stages."

He added: "Ryan got a great position on him straight away and he was able to control it. He's had a busy time. For a three-year-old he's not had an easy time of it, but he just keeps getting better, especially when he went up in trip.

"We were watching the clock and he was doing 12-second furlongs all the way, which is unusual for these distance races. We might even look at Melbourne next year."

O'Brien in heaven after four-timer

The victory of The Euphrates was the final leg and centrpiece of a 26-1 four-timer for O'Brien and Moore.

Moore was again seen to excellent effect in the Group 3 Weld Park Stakes, but he also had a very willing partner in Heavens Gate, who was stepping up to seven furlongs for the first time.

Moore had to be patient for gaps to open, and his mount responded strongly, staying on well and winning with possibly a little bit in hand over the unlucky-in-running Fiery Lucy. The official margin was a neck.

It was good reward at this level for the Ballyhane Stakes winner, who has been rock-solid in the way she has held her form this season.

O'Brien said: "Ryan had to be patient, but she quickened well and just waited once she got there. I think she deserved that.

"She could possibly go to the Breeders' Cup. She goes around a bend and has plenty of speed which is what you need."

Trainer and jockey also combined to win the opening two maidens with odds-on favourites Shackleton and Aftermath.

Ryan Moore gives Heavens Gate a pat following their victory in the Weld Park StakesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Alfie softens Lyons' disappointment

Ger Lyons was frank in describing his disappointment in the performance of previously unbeaten filly Babouche in Saturday's Cheveley Park Stakes, but there was no better horse to put a smile back on his face than the ultra-reliable My Mate Alfie, who made the breakthrough at Group 3 level in the SBK Renaissance Stakes.

Under Colin Keane, the son of Dark Angel followed up his win in the Bold Lad Handicap at the Irish Champions Festival here two weeks previously, getting up close home to deny course specialist Big Gossey.

It was an unusual case of a sprint in Ireland being dominated by the home brigade, as Bold Lad runner-up Torivega finished third and favourite Super Sox filled fourth spot after rearing up leaving the stalls.

Lyons said of the winner: "He's just improved all season. We've been teaching him to sprint all year and he got what he deserved today.

"He's very straightforward and we might go touring with him next year."

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