Aidan O’Brien took his Coventry Stakes tally to 12 on Tuesday as Great Barrier Reef fared best of the 21 juveniles. His first winner came in 1997 with Harbour Master, who prepped in the Marble Hill en-route. 19 years later, Great Barrier Reef also prepped in the Marble Hill at the Curragh prior to winning the Coventry. Such consistency in sticking to a methodical way of planning is a testament to the empire Coolmore have created.
It was a slight surprise, as Confucius, Ryan Moore’s mount, could only manage sixth with a favourable high draw. Great Barrier Reef travelled notably stronger than most in his far-side group, and broke away from them late on. Wayne Lordan took his mount across to join the near-side group, and strode away impressively.
Given the next home in his group of six finished an eight length 12th, the performance can certainly be upgraded. O’Brien was thrilled with the performance, as he told the Press Association, via At The Races: “This horse, he’s obviously not a home worker. Before he won the last day we were a little bit disappointed with his work as well. But obviously he’s better on the track. But we always loved him.
“He was there with a very live chance – he’s an unbeaten horse, you know. He’s always been smart. This race was my first Ascot winner, the history of this race is incredible.
Track Work defies homework of O’Brien pair
The vibes coming out of Ballydoyle were that Confucius was their number one, shortening in the ante-post market all the time. Ryan Moore’s booking confirmed that suggestion, but it was a rare occasion that he got this wrong.
O’Brien continued: “Confucius is a better worker at home. Before this lad ran the last day his work at home was a bit confusing. He didn’t show as much as we thought he would but he ran and won. We worked him again and Ryan’s horse worked better again so he obviously saves himself for the track.
“We thought he was very good when he won first time. I think he won by five or six lengths that day. Then he was green the last day and still won a good race. He handles different types of ground, is a lovely straightforward horse and he’ll get further than six, too.
Wayne Lordan rode his sixth Royal Ascot winner, and was complimentary of the No Nay Never colt: “When he started to roll forward with me, he was probably drifting a little bit left looking for a bit of company, because I was out there on my own. But I always knew he was running forward, so I thought I had every chance. You never know if you pass the line in front, but I hit the line well.”
Aidan O’Brien has a number of strong chances this afternoon as he sees a century of Royal Ascot winners.