Darkness Falls (13:18 Curragh — Irish EBF Maiden, 1m)
A two-year-old bay colt by Camelot, owned by Westerberg, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor and D Smith and trained by Aidan O’Brien — who has won this race in each of the last two years. Darkness Falls made a promising debut at Leopardstown last month, finishing third of five at 17/2 beaten 4½ lengths in a race where he was clearly learning on the job. Normal improvement from a green debut and he looks a very different proposition second time out.
The critical detail is that Ryan Moore has chosen him as his mount from three Ballydoyle runners in this race — a decision that speaks louder than any statistics. O’Brien’s future entries tell you everything — Golden Fleece Stakes, National Stakes, Beresford Stakes, Dewhurst. This is a colt connections regard very highly.
In a 16-runner maiden at the Curragh, his debut promise combined with the Moore vote of confidence makes him the clear selection.
Verdict: Back to win — Moore’s pick, O’Brien’s yard, Group 1 entries already in the book, and debut form that promises improvement. 🏇
