The Lloyd Williams-owned Master Of Reality has caused an upset to win the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan and set up a tilt at the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
Master Of Reality is trained by Joseph O’Brien who combined with Williams to win the 2017 Melbourne Cup with Rekindling.
A field of nine runners went to post for Sunday’s Group Three race named after the 1993 Melbourne Cup winner.
The 5-4 favourite was Aidan O’Brien’s Irish Derby and St Leger winner of two years ago, Capri, who was under pressure a long way from home and was ultimately fourth.
Master Of Reality was a 33-1 shot in the hands of Wayne Lordan and led for much of the one-mile-six-furlong (2800m) journey.
He looked booked for minor honours when tackled and briefly passed by Mustajeer, but roared back gamely to prevail by a neck.
“He had good form in France and I thought he would need the run. Wayne (Lordan) kept it nice and simple on him because he is an uncomplicated horse,” O’Brien said.
“He stays and goes well and is a well-bred horse. He had two ordinary runs for me last year, but it is hard swapping mid-season from France to here.
“We gave him time and I’m delighted for Lloyd and Nick (Williams). They sent him to me with a big reputation and it didn’t work out last year and they gave us another chance with him.
“We’ll have to train him for a Gold Cup now. He stays and he is going to come on a bit for the run, I’d say.”
Williams bought Master Of Reality with last year’s Melbourne Cup in mind but his form tapered off and he did not make the trip to Australia.
