Aidan O'Brien Lands Ninth Coventry Stakes with Arizona

Aidan O'Brien extended his record as the most successful trainer in the Coventry Stakes (G2) when Arizona gave him a ninth victory in the most prestigious 2-year-old race at Royal Ascot June 18.

A son of No Nay Never, who won the Norfolk Stakes (G2) at the 2013 royal meeting, Arizona was an impressive winner at the Curragh last month and showed guts and heart to prevail, picking up well for Ryan Moore to reward those who had sent him off the 15-8 favorite.

Threat, held in high regard by Richard Hannon, ran a fine race to finish second at 4-1, while the Archie Watson-trained Guildsman was third at 6-1.

Running in the navy silks of Coolmore supremo John Magnier's wife Sue, Arizona seemed to be away from the main action up the stands side rail, but was good and tough enough to strike, earning a quote of 14-1 (from 25) from Paddy Power for next year's QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas (G1).

"He's impressed on all of his starts and has a super attitude," said Moore. "He's not fully switched on yet and the penny hasn't dropped to get into gear, but he'll probably benefit when he goes up in trip.

"He's a high-class colt. He's come out of a maiden, so it's a different tempo and he's traveled over from Ireland, so you'd only be delighted with what he's done."

The success was Moore's 54th at Royal Ascot and O'Brien's 66th.

The trainer added: "I was delighted with him. Ryan gave him a great ride and he's a lovely horse who will stay further.

"We were a little bit worried the ground is starting to slow up, but he's a horse to look forward to. He's only a baby and was green the first time he ran.

"He progressed from that, but won easily next time so didn't learn a lot. Today, he's learned. He was slow away and a bit lost in the race, but came home well.

"He has loads of speed, but we always thought he'd have no problems getting seven furlongs; he's a fine big horse for next year."