Investec Derby 2017 – Aidan O’Brien strengthens his Derby hand with Cliffs Of Moher after winning the Dee Stakes at Chester
O'Brien has dominated the trials for the Classic at Epsom and he has yet another contender in Cliffs Of Moher who recorded a workmanlike win on the Roodee
AIDAN O'BRIEN continued his domination in the Derby trials as he landed the Dee Stakes with Cliffs Of Moher.
Sired by none other than Galileo, the three-year-old was given a stern test on his first run for 195 days.
It might have taken him a while but he eventually overhauled the pace-setting Max Zorin who came home in third place with Bay Of Poets sticking on well for second.
Mirage Dancer met trouble but finished well for fourth.
Winning jockey Ryan Moore said: "He just raced a bit sleepy the whole way really.
"He came out a little bit slow, the tempo wasn't strong and he was able to sit second, but he was always just having a look around.
"It was his first run of the year and he just felt a bit rusty, but I'd be very happy with him.
"It's loose ground and it's not ideal for him, to be fair."
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Paul Smith, son of part-owner Derrick Smith, said: "I think we're very happy with him.
"Aidan said that he was just ready to start today and he'd really come on a lot for the run. Ryan thought that too and he was very happy with him.
"I think he'll improve a lot. He'll have learnt a hell of a lot around here. Ryan said he was learning his trade as he was going round.
"I think Aidan and the boys will sit down next week after the trials and make a plan and decide which way they're going to go."
Coolmore representative Kevin Buckley added: "I think he's won nicely, it was a good performance and Ryan was happy with him.
"He's got a lot more to learn, he hasn't run since October and a huge amount of improvement will come after that race."