Galileo’s Martinstown A New Rising Star

[Wandering Eyes]

After Aidan O'Brien had taken Chester by storm to an even greater extent than usual, the Rosegreen purple patch continued apace at Cork on Friday evening when the closing race saw a TDN Rising Star performance by the newcomer Martinstown (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Named after J P McManus's famous Co. Limerick establishment, the May-foaled bay carries the colours of his daughter Sue Ann Foley who owns him in partnership with Susan Magnier and Michael Tabor and with his title there was an air of expectation surrounding his debut under Wayne Lordan. Slowly away and a touch free early in the 10-furlong Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden despite being found cover against the rail, the 5-1 shot followed the front trio into the straight and needed to be switched out to deliver his challenge approaching the two-furlong pole. Gradually reeling in his experienced peers, the son of the Listed Salsabil S. winner Alive Alive Oh (GB) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}) gave a final surge to overwhelm Point Gellibrand (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) close home and prevail by half a length, with Flying Dolphin (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) the same margin back in third.

Aidan O'Brien is in no rush with the full-brother to last year's impressive G2 Park Hill S. scorer Free Wind (GB), despite the fact that he is engaged in the Derby at present. “He is lovely,” he said. “We are delighted with him, he is a lovely big horse and is still a baby. It took him halfway down the straight to get going and Wayne gave him a lovely ride and we think he will stay further. He was big, so we didn't like to force him but has a lovely cruise to him. We were trying to give him as much time as we can and J.P. and Sue-Ann said to take our time with him. We might look for a winners' race, a conditions race, or maybe a handicap.”

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