Youngster looked apparent Ballydoyle second-string.
In a thrilling day of racing at Naas, Aidan O'Brien's Antelope Canyon solidified his place as a rising star with a tenacious win in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. After showing promise in his debut back in July, the No Nay Never colt returned to the same course and distance to claim victory under jockey Wayne Lordan, outpacing favorite Currawood and stablemate Mississippi River.
The scene was set as Ryan Moore opted to ride Mississippi River, making his debut, leaving Lordan to pilot Antelope Canyon. Despite the odds, Antelope Canyon surged forward, entering the final two furlongs neck-and-neck with Currawood. The 11-2 outsider displayed pure grit, edging out his rival by half a length. Mississippi River finished a distant third, over five lengths behind.
Stable representative Chris Armstrong expressed confidence in Antelope Canyon’s continued progress. “He’s come forward significantly since his first run. He was a little green last time, and the ground wasn’t quite right for him. Today, he handled the fast track beautifully.”
Armstrong also praised Wayne Lordan’s riding, adding, “Wayne believes he’s got the potential to be a top horse. He should have no issues stepping up to seven furlongs. The quick ground suits him well, and the Legacy Stakes at Dundalk could be next on the cards.”
Looking ahead, Antelope Canyon’s team is optimistic he could emerge as a Guineas trial contender next year. Meanwhile, Ryan Moore was impressed with Mississippi River, suggesting the horse would come on well from his debut. Armstrong concluded, “It was a high-class maiden, and I’d expect a few future stars to emerge from this race.”
Orby Book 1 graduate ANTELOPE CANYON battles to the line to win @NaasRacecourse, taking the Goffs GBP 50K Bonus for @Ballydoyle ⭐️
2YO #GoffsGrad sold by @BarodaStudIre to M V Magnier @coolmorestud. #GoffsOrby | #TwoMillionSeries
— Goffs (@Goffs1866) September 19, 2024
Carla Ridge Stuns at 100-1 to Take the Fillies Maiden
Racing, as ever, is unpredictable, and Naas witnessed another shock victory when Carla Ridge, a 100-1 longshot, clinched the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. In her second career outing, the two-year-old filly, trained by Eddie and Patrick Harty, produced a stunning performance, taking the lead and sprinting to a two-and-a-quarter length win under jockey Chris Hayes.
Carla Ridge had made her debut at the Curragh last month, where she finished 17th of 19. However, Patrick Harty remained confident in her potential, stating, “She’s a beautiful filly, and we’ve loved her since the day we saw her at the Arqana breeze-ups. We thought she’d perform better at the Curragh, but the main goal was for her to enjoy herself, which she did.”
Harty credited Carla Ridge’s surprising leap in form to her positive race experience, noting how relaxed she had been after her debut. “She came home and was out in the paddock within 45 minutes. Today, she showed exactly what we knew she was capable of—winning a maiden with style.”
Looking ahead, the Hartys plan to strike while the iron is hot. “We’re enjoying an Indian summer, and with the ground still in good condition, we’ll consider stakes races over six or seven furlongs, possibly even a Group race. There’s also a chance she might run again before the season ends.”
Carla Ridge ran out an impressive winner in The @IrishEBF_ Fillies Maiden of EURO 18,000 for team @HartyRacing 🤝@chrishayes24 pic.twitter.com/2525EfONel
— Naas Racecourse (@NaasRacecourse) September 19, 2024
Cercene’s Late Charge Secures Victory in the Auction Series Maiden
The third standout performance of the day came from Cercene, who claimed the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden under the guidance of Gary Carroll. Trained by Joseph Murphy, the filly showed remarkable finishing speed, surging down the outside to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths.
Cercene’s assistant trainer, Joseph Murphy Jnr, was candid about the horse’s performance, admitting, “We were never really happy watching the race. It seemed like she was going nowhere, but then she turned it around and won decisively.”
He expressed high hopes for Cercene, adding, “We’ve always thought she’s a very good filly. We initially aimed for the CL Weld Stakes, but that might come too soon. The Listed race at the Curragh or the Auction Final here could be options.”
While Cercene’s team is undecided about whether she will race again this season, her long-term prospects look promising. “She could be done for the year, but she’ll be entered for both the 1000 Guineas and the Irish Guineas next season. We believe she can develop into a top-level contender.”
Trainer Joseph G Murphy's filly Cercene showed a sweet turn of foot in the closing stages, building on her debut third with a win in the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden, @garyfcarroll in the saddle 🚀 pic.twitter.com/YB8mbPDF0a
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) September 19, 2024
As Naas witnessed a day filled with rising stars and unexpected outcomes, both Antelope Canyon and Carla Ridge captured the spotlight. Racing enthusiasts can look forward to these young prospects continuing to make headlines, with potential stakes glory on the horizon.
