By Tom Frary
Dundalk, €15,000, Mdn, 4-17, 2yo, 5f (AWT), 1:00.33, st.
KING NEPTUNE (c, 2, War Front–Agreeable Miss, by Speightstown), Ballydoyle's second 2-year-old runner of the season, started as the 11-10 second favourite and broke on terms before finding himself behind the other trio of runners. Coaxed through to the lead with just over a furlong remaining, the bay drew away to score by 3 1/4 lengths from Yesterdayoncemore (Ire) (No Nay Never). Jockey Donnacha O'Brien told Irish Racing.com, “He was fairly straightforward and professional, not as green as I thought he would be. He bounced out and travelled, quickened up nicely and will be better with another furlong.” After the race there was great scrutiny of the state of the Polytrack which many feel is past its best and he added, “The surface was fine on him. He's a War Front and it felt good on him. It's firm in places, but you can go down five or six inches in other places.” The winner is a full-brother to Faydhan, who was unable to live up to the abundant promise of his debut success for Shadwell and John Gosden but who was third in the Listed European Free H. before retiring to Italy's Allevamento di Besnate. A late May foal, King Neptune is a grandson of the GII Princess S. winner Sweet and Ready (El Prado {Ire}). The unraced dam, who is a half-sister to two stakes performers including the GIII Arlington Oaks runner-up Sweet and Flawless (Unbridled's Song), also has a yearling full-brother to the winner. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $10,425.
O-Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier; B-Frank Hutchinson (KY); T-Aidan O'Brien.
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