Winning Horse: Aesop (IRE)

5yoG Make Believe (GB) - Sadima (Ire)(Sadler's Wells (USA))
17 starts - 3 wins 1 second 2 thirds 1 fourth $130371

Other Wins
1st Ire - Cork Follow Corkracecourse On Twitter Handicap 2039m (2021)
1st Ire - Leopardstown Irish Stallion Farms Ebf Median Auction (C & G) Maiden (Plus 10) 2012m (2020)

Race Result:

1st: Aesop (P Stokes/J Kah) - $3.60F

2nd: Pounding (P Moody/C Hefel) - $7.00
3rd: Fifth Position (Price & Kent Jnr/D Oliver) - $17

Winning Time: 1:49.84 Last 600m: N/A

Margins: 2L x 2¼L

Winning Trainer: Phillip Stokes

“It was a lonely ride by Jamie. Just got him into a nice rhythm. He showed that nie turn-of-foot which he did first-up and the firm track wasn’t a problem.”

Holds a nomination for The Metropolitan: “I’d say that might come up too quick. I’ll speak to Terry (Henderson) and the team.

“It’s just good to see this horse back. We were in a bit of trouble last prep when he was getting beaten at Sale and now he’s here doing these sorts of things.

“I’m thinking that we keep him around 2000 metres, keep him fresh and keep that turn-of-foot in him.”

Winning Jockey: Jamie Kah

“Phillip said that the one thing that will get us beaten today is if he didn’t handle the ground and he loved it.

“He actually felt better in it than he probably did the other week when it was soft out there.

“This horse handles all conditions. He’s just a dream to ride, doesn’t spend a penny out there. He relaxes but the turn-of-foot today was enormous. Picked them up in a few strides then it was too easy for them.

“He’s going to feature in something big this spring. He’s got just the perfect attitude. I really like this horse.

“The way he jumped today he could have been outside the leader. He’s push-button. He’s a beautiful horse to ride and well done to Phil and the team. They’ve got a nice horse on their hands.”