Carlo Bugatti

Carlo Bugatti did really well to finish second behind Wexford Town in the 12-furlong handicap at The Curragh on Sunday, given that he raced in rear in the early stages of a race that was run at a sedate pace, and which therefore conferred an advantage on those who raced handily.

The winner made all and the third horse raced in third place from early, while the fourth horse raced in second from early. Carlo Bugatti was the only horse who could get into the race from the rear. Not only that, but he suffered a little bit of interference as well as he made his way through.

Second last as they turned for home, Aidan O’Brien’s colt started to make his ground as they approached the two-furlong pole. He eased his way through horses, he had to engineer a gap for himself a furlong and a half out and, once he did, he continued his forward move. He did not show an instant burst of acceleration, but he was making his ground into a quickening pace, and he continued to make ground all the way to the line to finish second, a length and three quarters behind the winner, closest at the finish.

This 12-furlong trip on fast ground is probably Carlo Bugatti’s optimum – he ran well in the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot on his previous run – although he could get further and he should do better off a stronger early pace. He has always been highly-regarded, he was the stable’s selected according to jockey bookings in both the Ballysax Stakes and the Dee Stakes, two recognised Derby trials. Also, this was just his fifth run, so he still has the scope to progress further.

There could be a big 12-furlong handicap in him, and he could even be an Ebor horse if he got into the race, a 101-rated three-year-old. Aidan O’Brien won the York feature with the 101-rated three-year-old Mediterranean in 2001, and he went close with the 107-rated three-year-old Changingoftheguard in 2009. The Montjeu colt would also be of interest in Pattern company again now.

29th June 2014