Causeway continued to impress when landing the Coolmore Stud Henry Longfellow Irish EBF Tetrarch Stakes at the Curragh.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Wootton Bassett colt was last seen winning the Madrid Handicap at Naas in March and started the 9-4 favourite for his second run of the term.
Under Ryan Moore he was well placed throughout the Listed contest and strode on to take victory by two lengths from Andab to potentially set up a bid for the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
O’Brien said: “I’m very happy with him. He came forward from the first day and was very comfortable at the extra furlong as well.
“He got home very well. I’d imagine he’ll have no trouble stepping up in trip when the time comes. We just didn’t want to start him up (in trip) in bad ground. We just wanted to get a run into him for this.
“You’d have to be very happy really I think. You love the way he finished off and, probably time-wise, I think it’ll be a good enough run race.”
Asked if he could be an Irish Guineas horse, O’Brien added: “Possibly. It’ll depend what will happen with the other colts. He’s ready. He’s done his prep for it now. He’d be very comfortable coming back here.”
Velozee could be Royal Ascot-bound after a convincing victory in the AES Recycling First Flier Stakes.
Paddy Twomey’s Sioux Nation filly lined up for the Listed contest a 4-1 chance having won her only prior start in April, with Billy Lee taking the ride in a small field of four.
O’Brien’s New Yorker was the 4-7 favourite, but it was Velozee who came to the fore with an impressive three-and-a-half-length triumph ahead of What A Girl Wants with the favourite a further six lengths back in third.
Twomey said: “Billy thinks six furlongs will be no issue to her, so we might look at maybe the Albany. She could go back to Naas in a couple of weeks and run again.
“She is a strong filly. She has had one bit of work since she won in Cork.
“She’s uncomplicated and I think she’s good.”