Indian Chief added another potential string to Aidan O’Brien’s English Derby squad when demonstrating an impressive turn of foot to go from last to first in the Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Summer Racedays 2013 Maiden.
The Montjeu colt finished second to Jim Bolger’s subsequent Group One scorer Loch Garman on his only start in 2012 and was sent off the 4-7 favourite under Joseph O’Brien.
O’Brien jnr had Indian Chief anchored at the back of the field and was still in last turning into the straight in the 10-furlong contest.
However, when the rider gave the signal, Indian Chief moved up a gear and, switched to the middle of the track, swept by his rivals in fine style to easily account for Dubai Deer, putting himself in line for the Dante Stakes at York on May 16.
“For a Montjeu colt he has plenty of speed,” O’Brien said.
“They went a steady gallop and he quickened up well. Being dropped in last in a slowly-run race you might think it’s not the right place to be, but he picked up easily.”
