Adrian Murray’s Bucanero Fuerte made a successful transition into his three-year-old campaign with a win in the Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas.
One of the leading juveniles last season, Bucanero Fuerte won three times and recorded a success at the highest level when taking the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes over six furlongs.
He was only second favourite for the Lacken Stakes behind fellow three-year-old Givemethebeatboys, who had the benefit of one run already this season, having landed the Listed Committed Stakes at Navan. Confidently ridden by David Egan, the Amo Racing-owned colt made all, over coming a late challenge from the favourite to hold on for a head success.
"He's a nice horse and is going to improve a lot because we were not hard on him and he will get fit from the race," said Robson Aguiar, assistant trainer.
"He will go over six furlongs at Ascot. He has great speed and he stays well, so that is the plan for him now."
Paddy Power remained unchanged at 8/1 for Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June.
