Fastnet Rock Colt Impresses At Leopardstown

2nd-LEO, €16,500, Mdn, 8-6, 2yo, 7fT, 1:30.34, g/f.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL (IRE) (c, 2, Fastnet Rock {Aus}–Lady Lupus {Ire} {SW & G1SP-Ire, $103,099}, by High Chaparral {Ire}) had been second to Sanus Per Aquam (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) on debut over this trip at The Curragh June 28 prior to finishing third in a six-furlong conditions event at Naas July 8 and third back over this distance behind stable companion Deauville (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and his Curragh conqueror when third in the G3 Tyros S. here last time July 23. Sent off the 4-5 favorite, the bay raced in second initially tracking Star of Kings (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) before taking over traveling strongly at the quarter pole. Sent clear under hand riding, the homebred whose dam is a half to the 2012 G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains third Furner’s Green (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) and who sported a first-time tongue tie along with blinkers was eased close home to register a convincing 2 3/4-length success from that long-time leader. “He’s a lovely horse,” jockey Joseph O’Brien commented. “He had a very good run the first day and then ran a bit free with me in Naas when he got beaten. I would be disappointed if he didn’t pick up a group race on the way and he could be more. I think he will progress. He has the pace for six and I think he will get a mile. He quickened up really well there. I probably should have waited a bit longer, but when I gave him a squeeze the race was all over.” Lifetime Record: GSP-Ire, 4-1-1-2, €21,685. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. O-Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Mrs A M O’Brien; B-Whisperview Trading Ltd (IRE); T-Aidan P. O’Brien.