Whistle cut for the Coventry Stakes

Aidan O’Brien’s Whistlejacket booked a trip to Royal Ascot when he comfortably accounted for three previous winners in the Listed-Class First Flier Stakes at the Curragh.

The two-year-old champion filly brother to Little Big Bear had to settle for second best behind Joseph O’Brien’s Cowardofthecounty over six furlongs on debut last month but went with a better one on the best trip.

Sent off at 5-6, Whistle vest raced alongside main market rival Arizona Blaze at the top of the business for the most part, but it became apparent at the two-state pole that Ryan Moore’s mount was traveling much better.

Once asked to let go, Whistlejacket quickly settled the matter and galloped strongly to the line to prevail by three and three quarter lengths.

O’Brien said: “He’s a fast horse, progressing nicely. I’d say five or six (furthers) won’t be a problem, he’s got plenty of speed for five anyway.

“Last day he was six, but he doesn’t lack speed. I don’t think he will run (again before Ascot), he has had two runs. You never know, but I don’t think so.”

Paddy Power responded by reducing Whistlejacket from 12-1 to 7-1 for the Coventry Stakes at the Royal meeting, a race O’Brien won for a record 10th time via the River Tiber last year.

of Jessica Harrington Barnavara could also be to Berkshire after making an impressive debut in the Ireland EBF Median Sires Series Maiden over six furlongs.

Shane Foley took pole position on the rails early and the Calyx filly battled the attentions of Kilmood Susan before breaking away to score by four lengths at 5-1.

Harrington said: “She was up here the other morning on the Curragh on soft ground, the first time we’ve had her on grass and we were delighted with her.

“Shane said he has over six furlongs and would probably like better ground.

“He might run again and then go to Ascot for Albany. We’ll see how he comes out of it, but he won very easily.”

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