Shepherd's Purse© Photo Healy Racing
Joe Murphy is already thinking of next year's Irish 2,000 Guineas for Shepherd's Purse after the colt finished an unlucky fourth in the Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
A surprise 20-1 winner on his debut, he handled the step up in grade seamlessly but was all dressed up with nowhere to go when Cappella Sansevero struck for home.
Murphy was not too disheartened, though, as it confirmed his impression that he has a top-class prospect on his hands.
"He was fierce unlucky, he just couldn't get out," said Murphy.
"I think he's the ideal type for the Irish Guineas next year. I'm not sure if he'll run again this season or not.
"He's very tough and a very nice prospect. He's got the perfect combination of speed and stamina.
"What you have to remember is that he was up against horses with far more experience, he was going straight from a maiden into a Group Three.
"When you have a good horse the temptation is to run them, it's certainly easier to run than not, but he's all about next year.
"Getting a horse like him is why we are in the game."
