The red-hot form of Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle showed no signs of stopping as Defiantly entered the Melbourne Cup conversation after a bloodless success in Deauville.
The Kameko gelding has taken his form to a new level, stepping up to two miles this season. Having just failed to get up in the Ascot Stakes, Defiantly was a comfortable winner in the Coral Goodwood Handicap under McMonagle.
The blinkers had clearly worked a treat, as he proved it was fluke when a five length winner of the Prix Kergolay. Under a switch of tactics, he made all to beat the strong favourite Santorini Star, with the third 10-lengths behind.
Speaking to the Press Association, via At The Races, Joseph O’Brien said: “Dylan gave him a lovely ride and he’s obviously a horse that is improving rapidly. I’m delighted to see him win a Group Two.
“I thought when Dylan had not gone for his stick by the time they had gone by the 400 metre marker that it would be hard to pass him from then on. He has a real will to win.”
The Prix Kergolay is one of several ‘win and you’re in’ races for the Melbourne Cup. Having won the race twice, O’Brien will be keen to give him a chance for his native owners.
“I’d imagine something like the Melbourne Cup will be where he ends up now” said O’Brien. But we’ll speak to his owners, there’s a big group of guys in him. We came here to see if that could be on the cards and it looks like it might be.
“Every horse is different, but I suppose he compares a little bit with Twilight Payment. Who would go to the lead and stay really well. The Kergorlay is always a really good trial for the race and there’s plenty of reasons to be positive.”
Defiantly caps off a ruthless weekend for McMonagle
It was a weekend to remember for Dylan Browne McMonagle having rode a five-timer at the Curragh on Saturday. The first came under Monogram, a first horse in the Juddmonte silks for the yard and he justified favouritism.
Acula followed in the ten-furlong maiden, before a double-figure priced winner for Daniel Murphy. If ever a ride highlighted the excellence of McMonagle, it was his timing on Green Empress. Yousaynothingatall completed the quintet, with the weekend capped off by Defiantly’s performance at Deauville.