What had appeared a nondescript, midweek meeting was shaken up by the winning first appearance of Giant's Causeway last night, and so impressive was the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt that he received a 25 to 1 quote for next year's 2,000 Guineas.
Giant's Causeway completed a 159 to 1 treble for O'Brien, but while Perugino's Malt and Rubies From Burma are unlikely to set the rest of the season on fire, the two-year-old could yet do just that.
"He is going to be very special. He has everything you want," said the normally understated O'Brien. The Sean Graham organisation took the hint with a 25 to 1 Guineas quote.
The Storm Cat colt did just what a 1 to 3 favourite should do against eight opponents in the six furlong maiden. White Lavender kept Giant's Causeway company to half way, but when Michael Kinane picked him up, the winner sprinted right away and won by seven lengths with his ears pricked.
"The mare Mariah's Storm was a champion in America and was bought carrying this lad. He is a big horse and we will mind him, but this horse can step in anywhere and is in all the good races," O'Brien added.
The other two Ballydoyle winners started at much more generous prices. Rubies From Burma started at 14 to 1 when making most and holding off the perennial bridesmaid Moonis in the five furlong maiden. Kinane's mount Elf Queene was a well-beaten third.
La Serina started a prohibitive 4 to 11 favourite in the apprentice race but was outdone by Paul Scallan's mount Perugino's Malt. "Paul is a lovely rider and has a great head," praised O'Brien.
Gift Token could try to complete a treble at Galway after following up her Down Royal success with a narrow head defeat of Colonel George in the handicap hurdle.
Charlie Swan put in a vintage effort in the closing stages to continue the winning run of trainer Pat Hughes, who commented: "We're still going. The wheels don't seem to have come off yet!"
The former champion jump jockey Tommy Carmody will also be going to Galway with his stable stalwart Markskeepingfaith. The filly produced a flying late finish in the Clane Handicap to get the better of Anna Elise by half a length.
"Galway here we come," said Carmody, who praised the riding effort of Jason Behan. "He gave her a good ride, because she has to be ridden with confidence."
Ojay justified being backed from 10 to 1 to 13 to 2 in the bumper by running on too strongly for Patsy Veale in the closing stages under Alan Comiskey.
Bookmakers suffered a caning at the hands of David Nicholls as he continued his midsummer spree with a near 141 to 1 treble at Catterick yesterday. Jawhari was the most costly win for the layers as he obliged at 7 to 2 in the Halifax Handicap after being available in the morning at 14 to 1. Nicholls was also on the mark with Sycamore Lodge (8 to 1) and rounded off the day in style as old favourite Venture Capitalist came in at 5 to 2.
Endorsement has been installed ante-post favourite for the Tote Ebor at York next month at a best-priced 6 to 1 with the sponsors. Henry Cecil's filly has been set to carry just 7st 9lb and would need over 30 horses above her in the weights to come out to avoid elimination.
Glenn Tormey was taken to hospital with suspected leg injuries after a nasty fall in the Punch Bowl At West Hallam Handicap Hurdle at Worcester yesterday. Tormey had his legs strapped together and was taken to hospital.
