Havana Grey 10-1 for Nunthorpe after comfortable all-the-way win

Karl Burke's classy juvenile Havana Grey calmed any fears that he may not have trained on as a three-year-old with a convincing success in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh.

Last season's Molecomb Stakes winner and Prix Morny runner-up was given a fine ride by Classic-winning jockey PJ McDonald, with the 10-1 shot earning quotes of the same price for next month's Nunthorpe Stakes.

McDonald said: "It wasn't really a surprise because we always knew the ability was there but for some reason or another he just wasn't firing earlier in the year.

"It was a great training performance from Karl to get him back. I haven't seen this horse since the last day I rode him and Lucy has been on him at home every day for the last two months so fair play to her to get him back."

The Taghmon, County Wexford rider concluded: "Fingers crossed we can have a good end to the season now and that he can keep progressing. He should be a decent sprinter for the end of the year."

Havana Grey gets a well-earned drink following his victory in the Sapphire StakesCredit: Patrick McCann

Michael Dods' King's Stand Stakes third Mabs Cross was sent off the 2-1 favourite but the mount of Tom Eaves proved unable to peg back the trailblazing colt, eventually finishing third.

The eventual runner-up Caspian Prince took up his usual front-running tactics alongside Havana Grey, but perhaps didn't scorch the turf as he has done previously, with connections believing conditions may need to be faster for him to show his best.

Trainer Mick Appleby said: "He put up a good performance and we're happy with him. The ground probably just wasn't quite quick enough, he needs it rattling quick."

He added: "He'll go for the Nunthorpe next and then come back here for the Flying Five. He's a great servant."

Watch Havana Grey's victory in the Sapphire Stakes

Only fifth to Mabs Cross in the Palace House Stakes when sent off the 6-4 favourite at the beginning of the season, Havana Grey was also eclipsed by both the filly and Washington DC – who finished last of seven here – in the Temple Stakes at Haydock in May.

However, the grey toughed it out and proved he could well be a three-year-old sprinter to watch this season.

The winner of the Nunthorpe has been seen on trial in this race for the past three years (Mecca's Angel in 2015 and 2016, Marsha in 2017) and Paddy Power reacted to the grey's victory by cutting him to 10-1 from 16-1 for the sprint on the Knavesmire.

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