Folsom Blues produced a stunning performance in the Sept. 13 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (G1) at the Curragh, charging 6 lengths clear of Monogram under Joey Sheridan to seal a one-two for Joseph O'Brien, who was registering his fourth success in the group 1.
Thunder Moon, Al Riffa, and Scorthy Champ marched to National Stakes glory for the Owning stable but this commanding victory was arguably the most impressive of the lot.
The Blue Point colt has proved progressive in five starts, landing a Gowran maiden in June before finishing second to Florida Bay in the Tyros Stakes (G3) the following month.
He was dropped to 6 furlongs at this track last month for the Phoenix Stakes (G1), running a promising race to chase home Sun Goddess and that form came to the fore on the card as both demolished the field in their respective group 1s.
Sheridan settled the 11-2 shot in second-last and the pair breezed into third at the 2-furlong pole. In between the final 2 furlongs, the winner was all dressed up and ready to blast to victory, but Sheridan was at pains not to hit the front too soon and managed to delay detonation until the furlong marker was behind him.
Leaders Florida Bay and Trean could hear the train a-comin' from a fair way out and Folsom Blues hurtled clear in a few strides.
"We've had a big opinion of him all along," said O'Brien. "We dropped him back to 6 (furlongs) the last day and it was probably a big thing to ask him, but he ran great. He looked really, really good. I suppose the Dewhurst would be an obvious stepping stone. We had America in the back of our mind as well."
With his victory, Folsom Blues earned an automatic, fees-paid berth to the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) Oct. 30 at Keeneland through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win And You're In.
It was a polished and cool ride from the man on board, who is enjoying a tremendous association with O'Brien this year. The 24-year-old was recording his first domestic group 1 with his previous top-level success coming in the Prix du Cadran (G1) on Princess Zoe in 2020.
O'Brien has reason to be similarly excited about the runner-up Monogram, who was pitched into the deep end on just his second start and, despite being held back by greenness and being slow to get going out of the stalls, ran on in the style of a smart colt to finish runner-up.
He added: "I thought it was a great run from Monogram. Just a bit of inexperience told through the middle of the race, but he hit the line really strong. He's very exciting for the future."
Barry Mahon, racing manager to owners Juddmonte, concurred: "We're delighted with the run. They went a fast pace and Colin (Keane) said he has just got a little bit lost when they quickened and then he found his best stride and ran home well.
"I'd say he's an impressive horse going forward. Colin said he wouldn't want it any softer, so that's a problem at Doncaster the last few years, so we'll wait and see. The Lagardere or the Dewhurst are there as well."
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