Darkness Falls Triumphs in Golden Fleece Stakes

Darkness Falls (IRE) rocketed to the head of next year's Derby market after powering away from his rivals to land the Golden Fleece Stakes (G1) in dominant style Sept. 12 at Leopardstown Racecourse. The race was upped a furlong to 1 1/8 miles and promoted to group 1 status this year, with this year's winner looking as if he fits a similar mold to other Aidan O'Brien-trained winners Benvenuto Cellini (IRE), Auguste Rodin (IRE), and Australia (GB). They all went on to triumph in either the Epsom Derby (G1) or Irish Derby (G1). Having finished third on debut in July at this track, Darkness Falls created a huge impression when landing a maiden by 7 lengths last month at the Curragh. Punters were clearly impressed by that performance as he was hammered into even-money favoritism on his first start at the top level. It was every bit as straightforward as the market anticipated, as he hit the front over a furlong out and blasted clear of the staying-on Jesus Green (IRE). He is now a best-priced 10-1 shot for Epsom glory next year. "He has a lot of class," O'Brien said. "It'd be hard for a classier Derby-type horse to come out, I'd say. The way he did it the last day, and the way he did it today—there was no hiding place out there; it was a proper gallop. "We could go to America. He's that type of horse, he's not going to need soft ground. He's a Camelot we thought was going to be a Guineas horse-plus, and that's the way his Dad was."