Point Lonsdale bound for Chesham assignment after striking Curragh debut
And much to like too about fellow newcomer Dr Zempf.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Point Lonsdale looked an exciting recruit to Aidan O’Brien’s juvenile team when making an impressive racecourse debut at the Curragh.
The full-brother to Group Two winner and stablemate Broome could even prove a bargain buy at the 575,000 guineas he cost as a yearling after he comprehensively disposed of the opposition in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden over seven furlongs, earning a tilt at the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Smartly away from stall one, Point Lonsdale, the 7-4 favourite, was always at the head of affairs with market rival Barud alongside him in the early stages.
However, Dermot Weld’s charge, who had the experience of a previous run, was shrugged aside at the business end of the contest.
Point Lonsdale asserted in grand style to score by five and a half lengths from Unconquerable. Mannix was half a length away in third place with Barud fourth.
O’Brien said: “He was working very smart and we wanted to get him out as we felt he was a horse for the Chesham. That’s what we think of him.
“He shows everything at home. He travels, he quickens and relaxes – all the right stuff.”
Dr Zempf came from last to first to strike at the first attempt with an equally-eyecatching display in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race – with connections nominating the Group Two Railway Stakes as his next race.
A 420,000 guineas purchase at Tattersalls, the Ger Lyons-trained colt travelled sweetly in behind as Missing Nation took the six-strong field along.
Hadman made an early bid for victory with the 7-4 favourite Elliptic also coming through following a tardy start.
The final furlong turned into a duel between Dr Zempf (5-2) and Elliptic, with the former, ridden by Colin Keane, comfortably getting on top to win by two and a quarter lengths.
Shane Lyons, assistant to his brother, said: “He’s a lovely horse and is after doing that very well. He took it in very well beforehand and during the race he was very professional.
“We’ll take him home and see how he comes out of the race. He will improve as today was his first day seeing grass. Most likely the next race will be the Railway Stakes – the Siskin route.”
The Lyons team doubled up when Reve De Vol finished best of all to take the Listed Sky Bet Orby Stakes.
O’Reilly led them in the 10-furlong affair and stuck to his guns throughout, as Geometrical and then Patrick Sarsfield put down strong challenges.
It looked like the latter had just about done enough, only for Reve De Vol to fly home once Keane had switched and got a clear run approaching the furlong pole. A head was the winning margin at the line over Patrick Sarsfield, with O’Reilly another half-length back in third.
Shane Lyons said: “That was a very good performance. Colin said a very true-run mile and two would be right up his street. There was a bit of cat and mouse there today.
“Colin was able to fill him and try to get a gap out. He hit the line hard and it’s a nice race to win.
“He’s bred to get a mile and a half, but Colin said a true-run mile and two would suit so if he keeps winning then we’ll keep him at that.”