Buckhurst

Buckhurst put up another really likeable performance to win the Royal Whip Stakes. He was fast away, but Donnacha O'Brien was happy enough to allow Guaranteed go on early on, he just sat up on his outside in second place until he picked up and hit the front again inside the two-furlong marker. He was challenged late on by Leo De Fury, but he battled on willingly and held off his challenge.

This was another good performance by Joseph O'Brien's horse, who continues to progress. Favourite Sir Dragonet ran below expectations here, and Buckhurst only got home by a head in the end, but it was a game performance, the runner-up is a talented and progressive individual himself, and Donnacha O'Brien said afterwards that he probably hit the front earlier than ideal. Winner of the International Stakes at The Curragh on Irish Derby weekend, this was just the Australia colt's fifth run, and he has lots of potential for further progression. He is obviously effective over this trip of 10 furlongs, but he could improve again for a step up in distance.

The Curragh, 16^th August 2019

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