Gstaad gained ample compensation for his Newmarket runner-up spot with a commanding victory in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
Aidan O'Brien's son of Starspangledbanner, who triumphed at Royal Ascot and the Breeders' Cup as a two-year-old, was narrowly beaten by George Boughey's Bow Echo on his first tilt at Classic glory in the 2,000 Guineas earlier this month. But, much like Field Of Gold 12 months previously, he transformed Rowley Mile silver into gold at the Curragh.
With Karl Burke's Greenham Stakes victor Alparslan setting the pace alongside Power Blue near the front of the field, Gstaad settled just behind the leaders under Ryan Moore's confident handling.
Moore called upon the 4-11 favourite to seize command entering the final quarter mile and, with those behind him unable to match his explosive burst of speed, Gstaad swiftly pulled clear for a convincing three-length triumph over the Charlie Appleby pairing of Distant Storm and Pacific Avenue.
"He had a nice draw (eight) really – he was sat out there on the wing, but he was comfortable. Nothing was able to sort of get in his way and we kept it very uncomplicated," said Moore.
"I just kept asking him to creep forward from halfway and he's got quite an extravagant stride and when able to use it, he's an impressive horse."
"He did (deserve that), he has been second a few times and has never run a bad race. Sometimes things went against him last year. He has come back and he is a big, scopey horse and looks like he can progress further."
"His mind is in an unbelievable place and there is no one better at that than Aidan. I remember him when he was a two-year-old and the way he has brought him along – he has got more confident this horse and that is down to the trainer."
