Derby hope The Pentagon pounces for Aidan O'Brien at Leopardstown

The Pentagon showcased his Classic credentials for next season by winning the JRA Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown.

Aidan O'Brien's colt was already ante-post favourite with some firms for the Epsom Derby before he was sent on his way the 4-11 favourite for this Group Three over seven furlongs.

And The Pentagon did not disappoint as he followed up an eight-and-a-half-length Curragh maiden success with a solid victory under Ryan Moore.

The Galileo colt needed plenty of encouragement on the dash to the line, and fleetingly looked in a spot of bother, but he really knuckled down inside the final furlong to convincingly take top honours.

Theobald finished second, a length and three-quarters adrift of the winner.

The Pentagon is now available at around 8-1 about winning the Derby next summer.

O'Brien said: "Ryan felt that he was very raw, and it was only when he went past the line that he really got to straighten himself up.

"He said he went past the line and he took off.

"He's a very good mover and wouldn't mind fast ground. He could go for the Futurity (Curragh, August 20)."