Group 1 sprinter Aesop’s Fables (4c No Nay Never – How’s She Cuttin, by Shinko Forest) returned to winning ways in the Listed Sole Power Sprint Stakes at Naas.

Aidan O’Brien’s charge finished a close third in both the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye and Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint last season and remained over the minimum trip on Sunday. Positioned in mid-division by Ryan Moore, the bay was pushed along approaching the final furlong and quickened to lead inside the final furlong. 

“He came really good last year,” O’Brien said after the race. “He usually takes a few runs to get right. Everybody was very happy with him at home. We’re delighted with him.”

A trip to Royal Ascot is now on the cards for Aesop’s Fables, with the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes his likely target. A Group 2 winner as a juvenile, the son of No Nay Never is owned by Coolmore partners with Westerberg.