Ebro River

Ebro River was well beaten in the end by Native Trail in the Group 1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday, but he ran well for a long way over a trip that probably stretched his stamina beyond its limit. Sharply away and quickly into a nice racing rhythm in front for James Doyle, he was still on the bridle as his rivals came under pressure at the two-furlong marker. He came under a ride on the run to the furlong marker, and he was passed by Native Trail as that rival powered on to victory, but Ebro River battled on well through the final furlong, and he only just ceded the runner-up spot to Point Lonsdale close home.

This was a top-class juvenile colts’ race, Native Trail and Point Lonsdale are clear first and second favourites for the Guineas and the Derby, and Ebro River ran them close, over a trip that was probably too far, with the first three nicely clear. Hugo Palmer’s horse should be seen to better effect now dropped back down to six furlongs, the distance over which he won the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh last month. The Middle Park Stakes looks like the ideal race for him, as long as it doesn’t come up too quickly after his exertions at The Curragh. Looking further ahead, he looks like a prime candidate for the Commonwealth Cup next year.
The Curragh, 12^th September 2021