Takar set for the Irish 2000 Guineas after claiming the Dylan Thomas European Breeders Fund Tetrarch Stakes at Curragh
Takar, the now popular champion of the Dylan Thomas European Breeders Fund Tetrarch Stakes, could not have started off his new campaign more gracefully. Oratorio’s three-year-old bay colt out of mare, Takarouna, won the Stakes on 7th May at Curragh over seven furlongs.
Paired with jockey, John Murtagh, John M. Oxx’s under charge remained composed and content in the rear of the lot for the majority of the trip and grew aggressive towards the final concluding furlong of the race. It was not that he could not gear up the horse during the initial furlongs of the race rather John Murtagh was sure of the potential and competency of his ride.
When the time was right to fall into a high gear, Takar did pull up and responded to the call of his rider.
The 5/4 favourite of the race led the runner up, Coolnagree, by 1 ¼ lengths while A. P. O’Brien’s entry Triumphant, came at terms with the third position.
Oxx said: "He won well considering he's had a few setbacks. He was laid-up for a short while after his win in October and then for another three weeks in February. He's done well to get here but I couldn't say he lacked for fitness.
"I was worried about the heavy ground but I'd suppose it wasn't the toughest field.
"He's a talented fella and we'll try him at a mile now with the Irish (2000) Guineas likely to be his next run."
Before this Takar was the 11/4 favourite winner of the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund 2YO (C & G) Maiden on 6th November 2011 at Leopardstown over seven furlongs.
Back then too, the three-year-old was able to bag the race under the partnership of John Murtagh. Compromising the victory by eight lengths was Place Vendome who had Seamie Heffernan riding.
Three races down the line and Takar has already swept two with being entered as the favourite in the last two starts. Even the fourth career start for the three-year-old is in one of the most awaited races, the Group 1, €300,000 Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas on 26th May at Curragh.
He has been nothing less than pleasing and appealing through his last two races and the connections are confident about his ability for the 26th of May endeavour.
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