Teofilo impresses in National

Teofilo gave 4-9 favorite Holy Roman Emperor a sound beating in the Group 1, $380,000 National Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday, in an effort so impressive that British bookmakers have installed him as the favorite for both the 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby next spring.

A 2-year-old by Galileo, Teofilo followed pacesetter Slaney Time before taking over at the quarter pole and then easily holding off Holy Roman Emperor by 1 1/4 lengths. Ridden by Kevin Manning, Teofilo finished the seven furlongs on good to yielding ground in 1:26.49.

Undefeated in four starts, Teofilo had previously won the Group 2 Futurity Stakes over the National course and distance.

On the National undercard, Brave Tin Soldier sped to a 2 1/2-length victory in the listed six-furlong Blenheim Stakes. He covered the six furlongs in 1:13.20.