THE LION IN WINTER smashed the York track record and instantly became the new favourite for the Derby and 2000 Guineas.
Aidan O’Brien’s hugely impressive colt easily saw off big rival and evens fav Ruling Court in the Group 3 Acomb.
Ryan Moore jumped out well on the son of Sea The Stars and always looked in control in the seven-furlong race, setting a new juvenile record in a time of 1m 21.58s.
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He looked a little bit clueless on debut in July but The Lion In Winter resembled a seasoned pro in making it two from two.
And bookies couldn’t react quickly enough to slash him for the big colt Classics next year.
Betfair cut him into 6-1 from 12-1 for the Derby – the world’s most famous Flat race at Epsom next June.
While they made him 8-1 from 16-1 to land the 2000 Guineas – the first Classic of the season – at Newmarket next May.
Bet MGM were among the other bookies cutting his odds, with UK Director Sam Behar saying: “Aidan O’Brien looks to have another seriously talented colt on his hands in the shape of The Lion In Winter, who broke the track record en route to victory in the Acomb Stakes at York.
“The two-year-old’s impressive victory has seen him surge into favouritism for both next year’s 2000 Guineas (8-1) and Derby (6-1), and he looks a colt with a big future.”
O’Brien suggested afterwards he has no worries about a mile and a half for The Lion In Winter – but the Goffs Million at Curragh on September 28 will come next.
The Ballydoyle handler said: “He broke smart today and Ryan gave him a very uncomplicated ride and he found plenty when asked.
“He looks a very nice colt, doesn’t he? I’m delighted.
“We always thought he would get further than 7f and we came with the view he would go back to the Goffs race with more experience.
“He’s not short of pace. He’s very nice and you’d imagine he’d get further and a mile and a quarter will be no problem.
“If they’re good enough to do that then they’ll be good over a mile and a half.”
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