Siskin silenced critics by beating a six-strong Ballydoyle contingent at The Curragh in the Irish 2000 Guineas for trainer Ger Lyons.
Prince Khalid Abdullah’s War Front colt landed bookmaker odds of 2/1 and continued his unbeaten record with Classic glory. It looked at one stage as though Siskin was trapped on the inside, but jockey Colin Keane angled him out.
It was then a matter of whether he had the stamina. Siskin did and pulled 1 3/4 lengths clear of Vatican City. Other Aidan O’Brien trained entries Lope Y Fernandez and Armory filled the minor places.
This was a breakthrough Classic success for Lyons, who described Siskin as an easy horse to train afterwards. He also hailed jockey Keane in his post-race comments.
There are loads of options for Siskin moving forward, but Royal Ascot is off the table. Lyons nominated the Sussex Stakes over an easy mile at Glorious Goodwood as a potential next target.
Analysis: Siskin impressive in Irish 2000 Guineas
The big question beforehand was whether or not Siskin would stay a mile. He did and won the Irish 2000 Guineas well.
It may be that Siskin is a genuine miler, but a downhill race like the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood looks a nice stepping stone.
Lyons wants to resist any temptation to turn his stable star out again quickly. To say that Royal Ascot is hot on the heels of the Irish Guineas meeting is a major understatement.
The current crop of O’Brien three-year-old colts don’t look up to much to be frank. Many sired by Galileo want further than a mile, so could yet redeem themselves in either the Irish Derby or Epsom Derby.
Ballydoyle fired a full barrel at the Irish 2000 Guineas and only got place money for their trouble. This day and Classic belong to the quiet and unassuming Lyons, though.
