Youngster looked apparent Ballydoyle second-string.
Antelope Canyon, Aidan O'Brien's promising colt, made a statement at Naas with a determined victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, securing his first career win and setting his sights high for future challenges. The No Nay Never colt, who was fifth on debut over the same course and distance in July, took a huge step forward this time, holding off stiff competition and proving his class in a competitive field.
This was not just a routine win. It was a display of maturity and growth, marking Antelope Canyon as a colt with serious potential. The victory came after an intense battle with Currawood, the 8-13 favourite trained by Paddy Twomey, who had been heavily backed to win. In the final two furlongs, the race evolved into a gripping contest between Antelope Canyon and Currawood, with the O'Brien-trained colt digging deep to emerge half a length ahead.
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
Wayne Lordan guided Antelope Canyon to victory, while stablemate Mississippi River, ridden by Ryan Moore, finished a distant third, further showcasing the winner's prowess. The winning margin of five and a half lengths over Mississippi River emphasized the gulf in class between the two stablemates on the day.
Chris Armstrong, representing Aidan O'Brien’s stable, was thrilled with the performance. "He came forward a lot from his first run. On his debut, he was a bit green, and the ground wasn't quite to his liking. But today, he showed his true colours," Armstrong said. "He's been improving nicely over the past few weeks, and the form from his last race has worked out well. We’re really excited about his future."
Antelope Canyon’s pedigree suggests he’s destined for big things, being by No Nay Never out of a Galileo mare. His debut was seen as a learning experience, but his latest performance shows a colt that is quickly catching up with the high expectations set for him. Armstrong hinted at even greater things to come: "Wayne thought he has the makings of a lovely horse. He’ll have no problem stepping up to seven furlongs, and he handles quick ground well. We might target the Legacy Stakes at Dundalk next, and with a bit of luck, he could turn into a Guineas trial horse next year."
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
As for the third-placed Mississippi River, Moore was full of praise despite the colt's inexperience. "Ryan loved the other horse in third. He was a bit green in the middle stages but will come on a lot from this run. There’s plenty more to come from him," Armstrong added. The Naas maiden, according to O’Brien’s team, was well above average, and there will likely be several high-class colts emerging from it in the near future.
Carla Ridge’s Stunning 100-1 Upset and Cercene’s Smart Win Complete Naas Action
Elsewhere on the day, there was no shortage of drama as Carla Ridge caused a massive upset in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. Starting at 100-1, the Eddie and Patrick Harty-trained filly blew away expectations, securing a two-and-a-quarter-length victory under Chris Hayes. Her dramatic improvement from a 17th-placed finish on debut at the Curragh in August to victory left connections beaming.
Patrick Harty was ecstatic with the turnaround in Carla Ridge's form: "She's a beautiful filly, and we loved her from the day we saw her. We were a bit disappointed with her debut, but today she showed what we’ve always believed she could do. She’s got stakes race potential, and while the ground remains good, we’ll look at any suitable Listed or Group races to step her up."
Also impressing was Cercene, who shone in the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden for trainer Joseph Murphy, romping home by two and a quarter lengths with a late charge under Gary Carroll. Joseph Murphy Jnr, assistant trainer, admitted it was a nerve-racking race to watch: "We were never really happy watching it; she wasn’t going anywhere, and then all of a sudden she kicked on and won well. We’ve always thought highly of her, and while we’re unsure if she’ll run again this year, she’ll definitely be aimed at next season’s Guineas."
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
Murphy’s team will now weigh up whether to give Cercene a final run in the Auction Final at Naas or let her rest and build toward the 2024 season. Regardless, her commanding performance has put her on the map as a filly with a bright future.
The Naas meeting showcased three future stars in Antelope Canyon, Carla Ridge, and Cercene. With each of them taking major steps forward, the connections of these talented horses have plenty to be optimistic about heading into the next phase of their campaigns.
