Alamshar was a most unlucky runner up in the Group III Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown yesterday. A winner of his two starts as a two year old, including a defeat of leading Derby contender Brian Boru in the Group III Beresford Stakes, Alamshar was making his seasonal reappearance in this ten furlong contest.

Tucked into fourth place behind the favourite Alberto Giacometti, both horses saw the favourite’s pacemaker Balestrini take a long lead. A distance away from Balestrini at the entrance to the straight, Alamshar quickened impressively making up over ten lengths in the last furlong. He left his main rival and other leading Derby hope Alberto Giacometti to finish third, five lengths behind.

John Oxx commented after the race:

“The plan was to follow Mick Kinane, but the pacemaker got away too far in front and our horse found himself that bit too far back. But he quickened up really well and I liked the way he finished. He loves fast ground and you would like to think there’s improvement to come.”

“The Derrinstown Derby Trial back here next month is really the only race for him between now and Epsom and that is the plan.”