Tchaikovsky heads for Leopardstown's Derrinstown Derby Trial after overcoming two horses and two tigers in yesterday's opener at Gowran!
Fable and Queen's Love were predictably dealt with by Aidan O'Brien's 4 to 7 favourite, although Michael Kinane did have to switch Tchaikovsky around his two rivals early in the straight.
Having achieved that, Kinane could have expected an easy trek to victory but the unbeaten Tchaikovsky then proceeded to take an intense interest in two huge inflatable Tiger balloons that had been placed on the infield by the Esso Oil Company as a promotion.
"More Roar For Your Money" was the Esso motto but there would have been howls of anguish from the ring had Tchaikovsky pursued an inclination to shy away from them.
A few taps down the shoulder from Kinane's whip prevented it and allowed O'Brien to see the funny side of the incident. "He was looking over at those tigers and trying to run away from them," said the incredulous Ballydoyle trainer who has a high opinion of the unbeaten Sadler's Wells colt.
"He's a baby who is still learning but he has loads of speed and I really like him. He could be very nice. Michael was very happy with him, and while we will take on step at a time, he does have an Epsom Derby entry," O'Brien added.
Kinane's sparkling start to the season continued 30 minutes later when he teamed up with the Curragh trainer, David Hanley, to score with El Comendador in the seven furlong maiden.
The favourite, Union Project, soon led and looked likely to be difficult to peg back, especially with El Comendador appearing to race green. Electrum also joined in the issue in the straight but the winner lengthened well close home to win snugly.
"That's our second runner this season and it's great to get off the mark," said Hanley. "This horse should come on and we'll see how much he improves. It would be nice to get black type."
The former champion apprentice, Eddie Ahern, secured a thrilling run up the inner for Zelden in the mile handicap to beat the favourite, Landing Craft, by three-parts of a length. However, it was not an entirely happy day for him.
Ahern picked up a six-raceday ban after his back protector was found to be missing a panel to protect his lower back. Owner Fiona O'Connor lost her good mare, Glazeaway, through injury at the Cheltenham festival but received a modicum of compensation for that when Right `N' Royal justified evens favouritism in the first division of the maiden hurdle.
Doc O'Connor made all on Lord Penny to win the second division, while Francoskid indicated he will be a factor in the summer festivals when landing the handicap chase.
