Perhaps lacking the fireworks of some of her previous starts, Bedtime Story ultimately defended her unbeaten record with a hard-fought victory in the Alpha Centauri Debutante Stakes at the Curragh.
Aidan O’Brien’s mare, a daughter of Frankel and dual Nunthorpe heroine Mecca’s Angel, made a successful debut at Leopardstown in June before producing a brilliant performance to win the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot by nine and a half lengths.
Having now completed her hat-trick with a comfortable win in the Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown, Bedtime Story was the 1-16 favourite to claim her fourth win in four in a race her trainer had previously won 13 times, but it was a tougher challenge than most would have expected.
Ryan Moore’s horse was still in third place after the furlong, with her stablemate Exactly and Jessica Harrington’s Barnavara in her sights.
Moore had to use his whip to ensure Bedtime Story could bridge the gap, but she got rolling and was half a length ahead of Exactly at the finish line, with Barnavara a neck behind in third.
O’Brien said: “We didn’t want to go too fast today as it was a preparation for the next day. She is very fast from the start and Ryan was nice to her as we didn’t want to overwhelm her today.
“She had to get out and race a little later, but we really couldn’t be happier.
“She will now choose the Moyglare.”
Bedtime Story is the unchanged 3-1 favourite for next year’s 1000 Guineas at Coral and with it her market leadership at 5-1 for the Oaks.
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