War Command has given Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien a belated first two-year-old Group One win of the season, lifting the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
However, it was a workmanlike rather than an impressive victory for the Coventry Stakes winner.
War Command, the 10-11 favourite, was hard ridden by Joseph O’Brien to hold 20-1 shot Cable Bay by a length and a quarter.
“The ground was plenty slow for him,” Joseph O’Brien said.
“When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
“He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he’s getting more professional with each race.
“He’s definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be.”
His father said the ground had been a concern and War Command was now finished for the year and would be prepared for next season’s big races.
“I’m delighted with the horse as I was very worried about the ground,” he said.
“He’s a good-actioned horse and when it was very quick at Ascot, that was what he wanted.
“There is only one Dewhurst and we had to get him out. I’d say he’s done for the year now and I think he’ll get a mile (1600m) next season.”
