Antelope Canyon battles well at Naas

Aidan O'Brien’s Antelope Canyon showed his promise with a battling victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Naas.

The No Nay Never colt was fifth on debut over the same course and distance in July, the form of which has worked out favourably since.

On return to the racecourse he was ridden by Wayne Lordan as Ryan Moore opted to ride stablemate Mississippi River, who was taking to the track for the first time.

From two furlongs out the race was between 11-2 chance Antelope Canyon and Paddy Twomey’s 8-13 favourite Currawood, with the former battling to come home half a length to the good as the third-placed Mississippi River finished a further five and a half lengths behind.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said of the winner: "He came forward a lot from his first run. On his first run here he was just a little bit green and the ground was just a fraction on the slow side for him.

"He’s been coming along nicely in the past few weeks. The race the last day has worked out well form-wise.

"Wayne thought he has the makings of a lovely horse. He’ll have no problems stepping up to seven furlongs, he handles the quick ground.

"We might go for something like the Legacy Stakes at Dundalk with him next and hopefully he turns into a Guineas trial horse next year.

"Ryan loved the other horse in third. He was a bit green through the middle stages and will come on a lot.

"I’d say it was a well above average maiden, Paddy’s had good form, and I’d say there will be a few nice colts come out of it."

Antelope Canyon (No Nay Never) downs hot favourite Currawood with both well clear in an informative event and good maiden at @NaasRacecourse.

This winner could be one to note for @Ballydoyle... pic.twitter.com/JoI2AJOZZY

Carla Ridge sprung a