Vinnie Roe rolls under 141 pounds

Vinnie Roe carried 141 pounds to victory in the 1 3/4-mile listed Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday evening, earning himself the favorite's role for the Ascot Gold Cup on June 20.

In his first start since landing both the Irish and French St. Legers last fall, Vinnie Roe, trained by Dermot Weld, defeated Crimphill by four lengths while giving him 12 pounds. A son of Definite Article, Vinnie Roe got away as the 2-1 second choice because of the heavy weight he carried as a two-time Group 1 winner. This was his fifth victory in a row, but his first without blinkers, although Weld said he may put them back on for the Gold Cup.