Ol' Man River oozed class as he boosted his Classic claims for next year with an emphatic victory in the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh.
A course and distance winner on his debut four weeks earlier, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt got into his stride in the straight as he made his challenge in the centre of the course.
Tombelaine made the running, but he dropped out of contention in the final furlong and was well beaten as Ol' Man River (1-2 favourite) quickened to the front under Joseph O'Brien just over a furlong out and was not extended to score nicely from Clonard Street.
His win made it a treble on the card for the trainer and jockey, while it was the 14th time O'Brien has saddled the winner of this race, equalling the late Vincent O'Brien's tally.
The winning rider, who went on to a personal four-timer, said: "I probably got to the front a bit soon, but he was always going very easy. We went a nice, even gallop and it's lovely quick ground. He relaxed well and I didn't have a moment's worry."
O'Brien snr said: "He travelled and learned a lot, as today was on the round course. He was able to sit in and relax and he has a lot of speed. It was a nice experience and I couldn't be happier.
"He's in the Racing Post Trophy and the Dewhurst. He has all the entries, but he doesn't have to run again this year as he has the two runs and knows enough now going into next year.
"He could run again this year, but we won't force him. This time of year horses can change, so we'll see what happens.
"He loves fast ground and is a beautiful mover. He's by Montjeu, but a horse with that pace will always handle nice ground. He's exciting.
"He might get a mile and a quarter, but you couldn't be sure he'll get a mile and a half. He's a hardy horse, which is a good sign. He moved forward lovely from his maiden and he learned plenty today."
RaceBets make Ol' Man River their 8-1 second-favourite for the Investec Derby in an ante-post market that O'Brien dominates.
Spokesman Joseph Burke said: "In 2015 Aidan will be seeking to equal another of Vincent O'Brien's hauls, that of six Epsom Derby winners, and that appears a formality with Ballydoyle currently housing the first five in the market, headed by 7-1 favourite John F Kennedy."
Coral are slightly bigger at 10-1, and the firm's David Stevens said: "Aidan O'Brien has trained the last three Investec Derby winners, and with Ol' Man River joining his stablemates John F Kennedy, Highland Reel and Gleneagles at the head of betting, at this stage it's short odds the Ballydoyle maestro will make it four in a row."
