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The Aidan O'Brien-trained Gleneagles
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien has no regrets about sidestepping the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood with the brilliant Gleneagles.

The dual 2000 Guineas hero and St James's Palace Stakes winner looked set for a mouthwatering clash with top older miler Solow in the Group One contest, but was not declared, with connections citing the rain-softened ground as the reason.

Conditions had dried up prior to racing on Wednesday, with the going officially described as good, but O'Brien insisted he was happy with the decision not run his star three-year-old.

Asked if he had any regrets about not running, O'Brien told Channel 4 Racing: "No, absolutely not. I was delighted the minute I walked out on the track that he was at home.

"The straight is on the slow side of good and Gleneagles is a fast ground horse.

"There are absolutely no doubts. When we were listening to everybody before we came, we would be (having doubts), but the minute we put a foot on it we knew it was the right thing."

The Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville and the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp are the next viable options over a mile for Gleneagles and O'Brien is not ruling out a step up to a mile and a quarter in either the Juddmonte International at York or Leopardstown's Irish Champion Stakes.

He said: "The lads will make the decision on where he goes. He could go to France for the mile race (Marois), he could go to Longchamp for the mile race (Moulin), he could go to neither.

"He could go to York for the mile and a quarter, he could go to Leopardstown for the mile and a quarter.

"Wherever he gets proper fast ground, he'll go somewhere like that."

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• Highland Reels In Scottish

Joseph O'Brien rides Highland Reel to victory in the Neptune Investment Management Gordon Stakes at Goodwood

Aidan O'Brien's Irish challenger was the 7/4 favourite after finishing fifth in the Irish Derby and tracked the pacesetters into the home straight.

Early leader Space Age began to falter inside the last half-mile, but Scottish moved powerfully towards the lead and Highland Reel was briefly short of room after being held in by Disegno.

However, once the gap game, Highland Reel knuckled down to his task under Joseph O'Brien and wore down Scottish to score by a length and a half. Disegno was five lengths back in third.

The winning jockey said: "I was out early enough and I had plenty of horse. When you have the horse, the gaps come.

"He tried his heart out and had a nice position.

"I was a bit worried early doors as we went slow, but in fairness to him he tries and he handles this track well."

Asked whether Highland Reel could be a St Leger candidate, O'Brien said: "He definitely could be. I never thought he'd need a mile and six (furlongs). He did well to win off a slow pace today."

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Joey Very happy with Highland Reel 

Highland Reel Pre Parade Ring

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Aidan Explains Gleneagles Decision Live on Channel 4 

Aidan : "As soon as we put our foot in the ground we knew [not running Gleneagles] was the right decision. There will be other days."

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Two Pronged Attack on Galileo's Crown

Paul Rhodes Reporting For Aidanobrienfansite Wednesday 29th July 2015

Galileo Faces a stiff Battle to the End of the season to fight of his 2 rivals & Retain His Champion Sire Status 

Galileo's Bid to retain his Champion Sire title has come under threat of late a tittle he has won for 5 of the previous 6 years. The contenders to Galileo's Crown come in the form of Darley Stallion Dubawi & Kildangan Stud Stallion Cape Cross.

So far in 2015 not everything has gone according to plan for all of Galileo's offspring, G1 winning Juvenile Fillies Together Forever & Found are yet to add more Group One Success, Hopes were high for John F Kennedy Highland Reel Sir Isaac Newton & Giovanni Canaletto before the start of the season but as yet all have failed to score at the highest level. There has been one Huge Positive For Galileo and that come in the form of Potential Champion Miler GLENEAGLES who so far in 2015 is Galileo's Only Group One Winner.

Dubawi has Sired 9 Group One Winners in 2015 But the Sires Tittle is Based on Money won by there offspring his big Hits in 2015 are King George winner Postponed Prix Du Jockey Club Winner New Bay Grand Prix De Paris Winner Erupt  & Lockinge Stakes Winner Night Of Thunder. He has plenty of Ammunition to pose a Major threat to Galileo Before the end of the season.

Cape Cross's Financial Success this season has come Courtesy of Epsom Derby & Coral Eclipse Winner Golden Hornewho has the Potential to add alot more prize money for his Sire But maybe not enough to Challenge Dubawi & Gallileo If Golden Horn takes out the Arc it will make for a fascinating end to the season in the Battle to be Champion Sire.

There is still a long way to go this season with the back end stacked with big money Group One Races Also the Juveniles of each Stallion will prove to be important when  it comes to the final tally in the Champion Sire Tittle.  

It's going to be some Battle but anybody would be foolish to write of the Champ and potentially the greatest Sire Of All Time.

Leading Flat Sire 29/07/2015

Galileo  - £2,556,098

Dubawi  - £2,381,225

Cape Cross - £2,091,986

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Adelaide meets a Visitor at Coolmore Australia

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Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News Update 

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Davy Russell & Joseph

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Three Group One winners are on course to clash in Saturday's Qatar Nassau Stakes on the final day of Glorious Goodwood.

David Wachman's 1000 Guineas winner and Oaks runner-up Legatissimo, John Gosden's French Oaks winner Star Of Seville and Aidan O'Brien's Pretty Polly heroine Diamondsandrubies are set to light up the last afternoon as they feature among 11 confirmations.

O'Brien may also run Wedding Vow, who broke her maiden in the Kilboy Estate Stakes and Outstanding, who finished third in the Belmont Oaks. However, Investec Oaks winner Qualify was a notable absentee.

Mick Channon's Malabar, fourth in the Guineas, David Elsworth's Arabian Queen, Luca Cumani's Lady Of Dubai, third in the Oaks and Gosden's Jazzi Top, who was two places further back at Epsom, complete the nine-strong three-year-old team.

The only two older horses are Gosden's Bright Approach and Alain de Royer-Dupre's Cladocera.

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The Showdown is On

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UNICORN (Far Right) ran very green on debut but stayed on strongly to nab 3rd spot He stayed on quite nicely, should be a very nice type for AP O'Brien 

decent future for him

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Gleneagles
(Healy Racing Photos)

Glorious Goodwood has been robbed of one of its highlights as Gleneagles bypasses Wednesday's Qatar Sussex Stakes due to unsuitable ground.

Aidan O'Brien's dual 2000 Guineas winner and St James's Palace Stakes hero was supposed to test his mettle against the older generation for the first time, with Freddy Head's Solow, a winner at both the Dubai Carnival and Royal Ascot, his main adversary.

However, the course was hit by 18 millimetres of rain on Sunday leaving the ground on the round course good to soft..

Coolmore spokesman Kevin Buckley said: "Gleneagles is 100%, but he hasn't been declared due to the present going at Goodwood."

As a result, Solow is now an odds-on favourite.

Richard Hannon's Night Of Thunder, last year's 2000 Guineas winner, is in opposition but was some way behind Solow at Ascot. Connections will be hoping slower ground helps him close the gap.

Peter Chapple-Hyam's Arod is progressing this season and was impressive in the Summer Mile. This is a step back into Group One company, though, and he was behind Night Of Thunder in the Lockinge earlier in the season.

The ground will suit Roger Varian's Belardo, winner of last season's Dewhurst but only lightly raced this campaign due to the dry summer.

O'Brien is represented by Cougar Mountain and Bossy Guest runs for Mick Channon, while Andrew Balding's Here Comes When and Richard Fahey's Gabrial complete the eight-runner field.

Gleneagles: connections will decide new target over the next week

 PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Gleneagles pulled out of Sussex clash due to going

THE heavyweight clash between Gleneagles and Solow in the Qatar Sussex Stakes is off after Gleneagles was not declared for Wednesday’s Group 1 at Glorious Goodwood.

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Gleneagles, told the Racing Post: "We were hoping for good, fast ground for Gleneagles. They've had rain at Goodwood and he's not going to have his ground, so we decided against running him. We'll decide over the next week or so where he might go next."

Following the decision to pull out the dual Classic winner, French star Solow has gone odds-on at 4-6 with Coral with seven rivals standing in his way.

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Air Vice Marshal pictured winning at Gowran last month
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien will rely upon Air Vice Marshal to give him back-to-back victories in the Qatar Vintage Stakes at Goodwood on Tuesday.

The Ballydoyle trainer won the Group Two for the first time last year with Highland Reel and goes for a repeat with the War Front colt.

He gets the chance to reverse Superlative Stakes form with Birchwood, who beat Air Vice Marshal by a length in the Newmarket Group Two earlier this month.

Birchwood, trained by Richard Fahey, is one of two Godolphin-owned runners along with Strong Challenge. Saeed bin Suroor's charge opened his account over six furlongs on this course eight weeks ago.

Mark Johnston is double-handed with Beaverbrook and Welford, while others in a nine-runner line-up are Galileo Gold, Ibn Malik, Palawan and Twin Sails.

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O'BRIEN PLOTS GOODWOOD AIR RAID
26 Jul 2015

Aidan O'Brien will rely upon Air Vice Marshal to give him back-to-back victories in the Qatar Vintage Stakes at Goodwood on Tuesday.

The Ballydoyle trainer won the Group Two for the first time last year with Highland Reel and goes for a repeat with the War Front colt.

He gets the chance to reverse Superlative Stakes form with Birchwood, who beat Air Vice Marshal by a length in the Newmarket Group Two earlier this month.

Birchwood, trained by Richard Fahey, is one of two Godolphin-owned runners along with Strong Challenge. Saeed bin Suroor's charge opened his account over six furlongs on this course eight weeks ago.

Mark Johnston is double-handed with Beaverbrook and Welford, while others in a nine-runner line-up are Galileo Gold, Ibn Malik, Palawan and Twin Sails.

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Some pictures of Order of St George sent to us By @Gleneagles_G1

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Buratino (right) beats Air Force Blue (left) in the Coventry Stakes

 PICTURE: Getty Images

Exciting juveniles in frame for Phoenix Stakes 

THE cream of the juvenile crop in Britain and Ireland could be on a collision course at the Curragh in two weeks’ time with Royal Ascot winners Washington DC and Buratino lined up for the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes.

"At the moment Air Force Blue, Painted Cliffs and Washington DC are in our calculations for the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh next month," O'Brien said.With 13 victories in the last 17 years, Aidan O’Brien has dominated the 6f contest and he has other options to Windsor Castle scorer Washington DC, including Air Force Blue, who would be an appropriate winner, having been sold for $490,000 as a yearling at Keeneland.

"The three of them have plenty of solid form there and seem to have come out of their last races well.

"Painted Cliffs won the Railway Stakes at the Curragh on Derby weekend, Washington DC won the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and the step up to six furlongs should be no problem for him.

"At the moment they are the three being aimed at the race and we'll take another look closer to the time."

Long-held target

Air Force Blue beat all bar the Mark Johnston-trained Buratino in the Coventry Stakes and the 16-1 shots for next year's Qipco 2,000 Guineas might meet again.

Johnston, the last British trainer to win the Phoenix Stakes with Princely Heir in 1997, said: "Buratino's next run will be in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, all being well. Everything's gone absolutely according to plan - he's spot on, just ticking over. The Keeneland Phoenix Stakes was always going to be the next run, nothing before that."

Families go free

The Curragh has joined forces with Keeneland to offer families free admission to the fixture, which also includes the Group 3 Qatar Racing & Equestrian Federation Phoenix Sprint, on August 9.

Ed Prosser, Keeneland's European representative, said: "We look forward to welcoming a good crowd to the Curragh on a family day that promises to boast a great atmosphere with a whole host of activities to keep the younger racegoers entertained. We are offering free admission to families and hope the day will be well-supported."

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Joseph O'Brien branded Gleneagles "very special" ahead of the colt's showdown with Solow in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday.

O'Brien has ridden the dual Guineas winner five times, crossing the line in first place on each occasion, and is expected to replace the injured Ryan Moore in next week's Group One.

The Sussex could feasibly be one of the races of the season as Gleneagles will go toe to toe with the Freddy Head-trained Solow, a rapidly-improving grey who excelled in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot.

O'Brien jnr is, however, adamant the Ballydoyle inmate has the qualities to continue his unbeaten run this season.

 "I've always loved riding him at home - we knew he was very special.

"Every season there is one horse who is above the rest of them and he was the one.

"He doesn't do much in front, but he's got so much class."

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Order Of St George and Joseph O'Brien
(Healy Racing Photos)

The Aidan O'Brien trained Order Of St George remains on course for a tilt at the English St Leger following his long odds on (1/5f) all-the-way win in the concluding Her Majesty's Plate at Down Royal today.

Ridden by the Champion Trainer's son Joseph O'Brien, the son of Galileo made all and stayed on strongly to repel the challenge of Chapter Seven inside the final furlong, for a five and a half lengths win.

Afterwards Joseph O'Brien stated "he did what he was entitled to do and kept it simple. He won snug and will be better when he steps up in trip - he didn't have to improve to win today.

"He definitely could have a run before the Leger but it's not a necessity. He's still a lightly raced, inexperienced horse and has the prospect of making a very nice stayer."<Order Of St George is generally a 14/1 chance for the English St Leger.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham

Order Of St George Tonight At Down Royal Photo's Courtsy of Jamie Kinnin

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Ryan Moore played down reports he could be out of action for the rest of the year.

The star suffered a neck injury when his mount, Newton's Law, reared up and became trapped under the stalls before the final race on the opening day of the July meeting at Newmarket.

There had been speculation Moore faces a longer-than-anticipated spell on the sidelines, but the rider told his Betfair blog: "Regarding my injury, I would just like to say that nothing has been decided about my return date.

"As I said last week, we are monitoring it day by day, week by week but, contrary to reports during the week, nothing has been determined regarding where or when I am likely to return to race riding."

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Deauville - Tyros Stakes G3 Race Replay 

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‪#‎TeamGleneagles‬ ALL THE WAY

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Sooooo Impressed with this Fella DEAUVILLE Piece By Me

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Deauville (nearest) is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat Sanus Per Aquam 

Deauville overturned the odds-on favourite Sanus Per Aquam as he took the Group Three Japanese Racing Association Tyros Stakes under Joseph O'Brien for his father Aidan.

A winner on heavy ground on his debut at Listowel in May the successful son of Galileo was sent off at 9/2 having opened at 3/1 last night.

Settled in third he was pushed along from three furlongs out and was ridden to challenge in second from the two furlong pole.

He edged to the front inside the final 100 yards and kept on well from there to score by half a length.

The Jim Bolger trained Sanus Per Aquam, who was sent off the 1/3 favourite had no excuses in second.

He hit the front over two furlongs out but couldn't hold off the winner in the closing stages.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He's tough - he's a hardy, tough horse.

"It's a good while since he ran. He was going to go to the Chesham but had a little setback and that's why he ended up coming here.

"He stays and Joseph said he was very green. He'll probably have learned a lot from today. He stuck his head out and is a typical Galileo.

"Obviously the Futurity is a race we'll look at and also the National Stakes."

Joseph O'Brien added: "He won nicely in Listowel and Seamus (Heffernan) felt there was a lot of progression in him from that day.

"He had been working nicely at home but he was quite green throughout the race today. I was niggling him along but I always felt there was plenty in the locker.

"He was a little bit green off the bend but once I straightened up and got a couple of flicks into him he fought all the way to the line.

"I'd imagine there is a lot of improvement in him. Today is far from him at his peak. He is an exciting horse going forward."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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New Horses Purchased (Thanks to Darin Melville)

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Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News Updated for racing Covered Until 19th July

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2 G3 2yo Races Tonight at Leopardstown

2 Hopefuls for Ballydoyle - Deauville & Alice Springs Here is how the Form 

stacks up Since their Maiden Wins

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Illuminate: unbeaten filly if by Coolmore sire Zoffany

 PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Zoffany evens favourite in freshman sire betting

 BY KATHERINE FIDLER11:29AM 22 JUL 2015 

ROYAL ASCOT sire sensation Zoffany remains evens favourite with RaceBets to win the British and Irish first-season sires' title, despite siring fewer winners than his Coolmore studmate Canford Cliffs, who is available at 5-4.

Zoffany, who scored a first-crop hat-trick at the royal meeting courtesy of Illuminate, Waterloo Bridge and Washington DC, is currently on eight winners, while yesterday's victory at Musselburgh by Poplar Close took Canford Cliffs up to ten.

The market is based on number of winners sired during the traditional turf Flat season - March 28 to November 9 - in Britain and Ireland.

"The sheer volume of early support for Zoffany - from an opening show of 10-3 - means although he currently trails Canford Cliffs by number of individual winners, he remains evens favourite due to liabilities," said RaceBets' Joseph Burke.

"Canford Cliffs and Lilbourne Lad have also been well supported, the former starting the competition as the original favourite and Lilbourne Lad chalked up as big as 7-1 on the first day, so he is also taking plenty out of the book.

"Outside of those three, we have little or no liabilities on other stallions, which is the reason punters can get 6-1 about Dream Ahead for example - despite the fact he currently has the highest winners-to-runners strike-rate [for more than one runner] of any of the first-season stallions and if he keeps it up, could easily win."

At the start of the season RaceBets kindly sponsored three charity bets for bloodstock industry insiders. Bloodstock agent Charlie Gordon-Watson and Classic-winning trainer Hugo Palmer opted for Zoffany, while Ross Doyle selected Lilbourne Lad - a horse he purchase d as a yearling.

British and Irish champion first-season sire market
RaceBets: Evens Zoffany, 5-4 Canford Cliffs, 5 Lilbourne Lad, 6 Dream Ahead, 16 Poet's Voice, 33 Roderic O'Connor, Frozen Power, 66 Pour Moi, 100 Dick Turpin.

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Aidan O’Brien, who has won the St Leger four times, is responsible for 16 of the 29 entries 

Ballydoyle dominate Leger list

• Last Updated: July 22 2015, 12:40 BST

Aidan O'Brien is signalled his intent to win the oldest British Classic by leaving in 16 of the remaining 29 possible starters in the Ladbrokes St Leger.

Queens Vase Winner At Royal Ascot ALOFT 

The contest is to be run this year for the 239th time on Saturday, September 12 at Doncaster.

Boasting a total prize fund of £650,000, the Ladbrokes St Leger takes place over one mile, six furlongs and 132 yards.

Storm The Stars is the 5/1 favourite with both the race sponsors and Sky Bet following fine performances to finish placed in two Classics. He was third to Golden Horn in the Investec Derby at Epsom Downs and runner-up to Jack Hobbs in the Irish Derby at the Curragh, Ireland, both over a mile and four furlongs.

The last colt to finish third at Epsom Downs and go on to capture the Doncaster Classic was Shantou in 1996.

Storm The Stars was third in the Group One Grand Prix de Paris over 12 furlongs at Longchamp, France, on July 14, after which trainer William Haggas indicated that the son of Sea Of The Stars would head to Doncaster via the Great Voltigeur at York.

Sunday's Irish Oaks winner was Covert Love who had a length and a half to spare over Jack Naylor  in the Curragh Classic. Both hold St Leger entries. User Friendly was the last filly to win the Ladbrokes St Leger and she had also previously triumphed in the Irish Oaks. There are six fillies entered in total, with the other five all trained in Ireland.

Six horses trained in France have won the Ladbrokes St Leger since 1945, the most recent being Toulon in 1991 and there are two welcome entries from the other side of the Channel in 2015.

Mikel Delzangles could have his first runner in the Ladbrokes St Leger after entering the unexposed Vengeur Masque.

The three-year-old son of Monsun captured a maiden at Saint-Cloud at the end of May and impressed in winning a 12-furlong conditions race by four lengths at Compiegne on June 17.

Delzangles reported: "Vengeur Masque is very well. He is going to run in the Prix de Reux at Deauville on August 9 and after that we will decide if he is good enough to go to Doncaster.

"They were nice performances the last two times. The form of the races is okay - the horse he beat won a big handicap subsequently - but definitely not enough to prove that he is good enough to go for the St Leger. He has got to prove himself in a Group race first.

"I do feel he is a quality horse though and he is improving all the time. He is very laid back and will love going the extra distance."

The other French-trained entry is Group Two victor Sumbal, who was last seen when staying on to take fifth in the Group One Prix du Jockey-Club over 10 and a half furlongs at Chantilly on May 31.

Newmarket-based John Gosden and Ireland's Aidan O'Brien have had great success in the Ladbrokes St Leger with four victories apiece.

Gosden's entry this year is the progressive Mr Singh, who was runner-up to fellow Ladbrokes St Leger aspirant Balios in the 12-furlong Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot before appreciating the step up in distance to 13 furlongs when making all in the Group Three Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket on July 9.

O'Brien has no less than 16 entries. The Ballydoyle contenders at this stage include French Derby runner-up Highland Reel as well as Giovanni Canaletto, fourth at Epsom Downs and third at the Curragh.

Leading Light was the latest Ladbrokes St Leger winner for Ireland's champion trainer when scoring in 2013. He came to Doncaster having won the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot over two miles. Aloft could bid to follow in his footsteps after landing the same contest this season.

There are plenty of others to highlight among O'Brien's contingent, including recent 10-length Listed scorer Fields Of Athenry, plus Bondi Beach and Order Of St George, who were separated by a short-head in the Group Three Curragh Cup last month.

Four fillies have been entered by O'Brien, including last year's Group One Fillies' Mile heroine Together Forever and Wedding Vow, an impressive winner in Group Two company at the Curragh on Sunday

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AIDAN'S TOP 10 GROUP ONE PERFORMERS

Gleneagles Joins Aidan's Greats 

 

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Anticipation builds ahead of Sussex

Mon 20th Jul 2015, 13:06

Gleneagles
(Healy Racing Photos)

Joseph O'Brien is looking forward to dual Classic winner Gleneagles brushing shoulders with some of Europe's best older milers in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday week.

Gleneagles, trained by his father Aidan, is hot favourite to take his unbeaten run this year to four in the Group One showpiece despite facing talented rivals such as Freddy Head's Solow, winner of the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The three-year-old colt has already shown he is the best of his generation over a mile with wins in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes.

"He's in good form at home. He seems to have come out of Ascot really well and we are hoping he can run another solid race," the jockey told At the Races.

"We've always held him in very high regard. He's never going to be a horse that go and wins by half a furlong, but he'll always get the job done. He's got a lot of speed and class and he lets his racing do the talking.

"Really looking forward to it. It will be a huge race and the build-up will be massive."

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SHOGUN going through the ring at Goffs October 2014 for 400,000 EUR 

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Leading Sires

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2000 Guineas form

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Wedding Vow Kilboy Stakes Winner 2015 Photo Courtesy of David Betts Photography

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Shogun - a full brother of Oaks winner Qualify gets off the mark at the Curragh.

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The Aidan O'Brien-trained Wedding Vow sheds her maiden tag at the sixth 

attempt in this G2 at the Curragh.

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Tesseracht, near side, sees off Fu's Island
(Healy Racing Photos)

Tesseracht, the 1/5 favourite, made it three bumpers in a row when beating Fu's Islandby a length and a quarter at Tipperary.

The four-year-old gelding was sent into the lead by Sarah O'Brien in this three-runner race over two miles.

Tesseracht and Fu's Island burned off Closer To You with over three furlongs to travel.Fu's Island was hard ridden on the approach to the straight with Tessseracht travelling much the better.

However, Fu's Island (4/1) refused to go away as the pair raced track-width apart. O'Brien drew the whip on Tesseracht at the furlong marker and he kept on to beat his game opponent.

Aidan O'Brien said: "Obviously it would have been lovely to have had a lead but he'll have learned more doing that. Sarah gave him a lovely ride as someone had to go on."

Tesseracht had previously scored over course and distance and at Bellewstown.

This gave O'Brien an across-the-card double as Wedding Vow took the featured Group Two Kilboy Estate Stakes in the Curragh.

The Stewards interviewed Miss S. O'Brien, rider of Tesseract, concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.(3)(e), in that she had used her whip other than down the shoulder or the hind quarters and having considered her record, suspended her for one race day.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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Wedding Vow stormed home to land the spoils in the Group 2 Kilboy Estate Stakes after a tactically perfect from Joseph O'Brien to move his Dad, Aidan, one Irish Group race win from completing a famous clean sweep.

Only the Brownstown Stakes, a Group 3 race for fillies at Fairyhouse stands in the way of Europe's greatest ever trainer.

Wedding Vow's win now means Aidan has struck in 65 of the 66 Group races participated in Ireland. 

However, Aidan will have to wait a year to break this magnificent record, as the Brownstown was run earlier on this month (5th July), and Ballydoyle didn't have one representative. 

The master of Ballydoyle's success in Ireland is already humongous, as he has won 72 Group 1's alone in his native Ireland, including eleven Irish Derby's and ten Irish 2,000 Guineas, most recently this year with the amazing Gleneagles. The Phoenix Stakes is the race that Aidan has won most in Ireland though, as he has landed the spoils of the 6f two-year-old contest a record thirteen times. 

Wedding Vow opened up this morning at a massive 12/1, but was backed like defeat was out of the question, going off 6/1 at the start, and was settled in midfield by Joseph O'Brien as Roger Varian's Talmada aimed to make every post a winning one. Turning for home, O'Brien started to get serious with his filly and the daughter of Galileo picked up powerfully to pass her rivals inside the final furlong to score by two lengths from 11/4 favourite Brooch. 

Wedding Vow had finished down the field in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot behind Curvy last time, and many wouldn't have had her top of their shortlists, but her jockey believes there were excuses for his filly's below-par performance, and a step back to 1m1f played more to her strengths. 

"She was too keen with me at Ascot wearing blinkers over a mile and a half. She was back in trip today and she settled much better," said O'Brien. "There might be something for her in America or the Matron Stakes could suit her, anything from a mile to a mile and a quarter. It's great to win a Group race with a pedigree like her's."  

 (Article written by Kingsbarns, journalist for www.aidanobrienfansite.com)

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Shogun powers away from Sunglider in the Curragh
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien's Shogun progressed from his debut last month to readily deliver in the seven furlong maiden for two-year-olds at the Curragh.

He came in seventh when sent off 5/4 favourite for a maiden over course and distance that was won by the smart Sanus Per Aquam just under three weeks ago.

Again the money was down on the Fastnet Rock colt as he was backed from 2/1 on opening show down to 6/4 favourite.

He broke well under Joseph O'Brien to track the leader Sunglider. It was noticeable at the two pole that the 11 horses behind him were all off the bridle as Shogun tanked along.

Pat Smullen soon started to exert his arms and then turned to the whip on Sunglider asShogun eased alongside and went past him at the furlong marker. He was given the office by O'Brien and asserted to win by two and a quarter lengths.< Sunglider (8/1) just held on to second from the staying on Reckless Gold (20/1). Clear Skies and Star Of Kings made pleasing debuts in fourth and fifth respectively.

"He was a complete baby the first day and didn't know what was going on. We put the blinkers on to teach him a bit and they will probably come off again," said Aidan O'Brien.

"Before he ran the first day he was half-speeding like a really smart horse. He will have learned a lot there. He travelled and quickened but was still very green. He's a horse to look forward to.

"I'd say he's very smart - he always showed that he's very smart. Obviously the first day was a bit of a shock but first-time out two-year-olds do that sometimes.

"It can be difficult when they bolt in first time as there are not a lot of places to go with them bar a Group or Listed race. Sometimes mentally that's difficult and not the right thing.

"Joseph put a visor on him for a half-speed during the week and he came up hard on the bridle. He'll have learned a lot with the blinkers and it's like running two races with them on.

"It's like wearing a cap or glasses. If it helps them progress mentally without being hard on them physically it has to be an advantage.

"Joseph said he was only doing a half-speed today, even when he got to the front.

"He can step in fairly quickly now to the big races. He's big and hardy and should be well able. He could step into the Futurity and those races. He's a big mature horse.

"He's a full-brother to the filly (Qualify) also which makes him exciting."< Shogunsported blinkers for the first time in this assignment. He holds a glut of Group-race entries for later in the season.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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Ballydoyle 99 English and Irish Classic Victories in it's Glorious History can today bring the 100th

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Carriganog pops the last to win in Kilbeggan
(Healy Racing Photos)

With hot favourite Guitar Pete withdrawn from Kilbeggan's beginners' chase, As De Ferbet went off odds on but he couldn't live with Aidan 'Brien's Carriganog.< As De Ferbet led but when Haddington Road crashed out at the second last Carriganog picked up the baton to move into a close second.

Odds on backers soon knew their fate as Carriganog and Mark Walsh delivered their challenge on the outside coming to the final fence. Carriganog met the last slightly in front of As De Ferbet (4/6) and Ruby Walsh and strode on to win cosily by seven lengths at 9/2.

Tiger Bay Lady (8/1) completed the placings in third. She was beaten 15 lengths by the winner.

"It took him a while to get his jumping together and apart from the one past the stands he jumped quite well," Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said.

"He didn't mind the ground but the jumping was the big thing. Hopefully that will give him confidence going forward and we'll find a little handicap along the way."

Mark Walsh added: "It was a big improvement on the last day. He's had a few problems with his jumping, he jumped brilliant today apart from one early mistake.

"He has travelled well. I knew jumping the second last I had the beatings of Ruby (on As De Ferbet). He has gone about his business at the end."

This gave JP McManus a double on the card as his Tri Na Ceile scored in the opener.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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Qualify (red silks): daughter of Fastnet Rock won this year's Oaks

 PICTURE:Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Fastnet Rock confirmed for Ireland return

COOLMORE have confirmed Fastnet Rock will return to the operation's base in County Tipperary in 2016, having sat out the trip this year.

The 13-year-old son of Danehill first travelled from his native Australia to Ireland in 2010, when he covered a select book on a private basis, and returned the following year when his fee was advertised at €30,000.

Fastnet Rock's first Irish-conceived crop, now four, contains triple
Group 3 winner and Tattersalls Gold Cup runner-up Fascinating Rock, Queen Anne Stakes third Cougar Mountain and Listed scorers Palace and Table Rock.

The sire's reputation has risen this year, with his three-year-old crop yielding Group 1-winning fillies Diamondsandrubies and Qualify, and Tattersalls Millions 3yo Trophy winner and Group 2-placed Cape Clear Island.

Diamondsandrubies and Cape Clear Island are out of mares by Sadler's Wells, while Qualify's dam is by Sadler's Wells's son Galileo, and Fastnet Rock has proved to be an effective outcross for that ubiquitous line.

He covered 85 mares during the northern hemisphere breeding season last year, compared with 193 in 2013 and 183 in 2012.

Fastnet Rock is held in high esteem in Australia, where he was champion sire in 2011-12, and he leads the field again by a healthy margin in the final weeks of the southern-hemisphere season.

His numerous Group 1 winners down under include Atlantic Jewel, Foxwedge, Mosheen, Sea Siren and Wanted.

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Qualify: the Investec Oaks winner is unlikely to bid for the Classic double

 PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Qualify 'very unlikely' 
to run in Irish Oaks

QUALIFY, the Investec Oaks winner, is unlikely to run in the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday because of the changed ground conditions.

"She is a very ground dependent filly and was declared on Thursday morning when the ground description was good to firm."Speaking on Friday afternoon, her trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "Because of the rain they had yesterday and last night Qualifyhas to be considered a very unlikely runner in the Irish Oaks.

The ground at the Curragh was changed to "good to yielding" on Friday morning after 10.7 millimetres of rain on Thursday and overnight.

Qualify followed up her shock 50-1 Oaks victory with a sixth-placed finish in the Irish Derby.

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Strong Words required at Curragh

Sky Sports presenter Alex Hammond previews a busy weekend of Flat racing and valuable summer jumping action.

Joseph and Aidan O'Brien can land the Irish Oaks with Words

The Oaks has cut up a bit with the news that both Diamondsandrubies and Pleascach were not amongst the final 10 declarations.

That leaves the David Wachman-trained Curvy at the head of the market. This filly is progressing through the ranks and is four from four this campaign with her best effort to date in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot last time out, beating Irish Guineas winner Pleascach. Wayne Lordan takes the ride in Ryan Moore’s absence.

Aidan O’Brien has a quartet in the mile-and-a-half Group One, headed by Words and Joseph O’Brien rides. She comes into the race unbeaten in two starts and the form of her latest win in the Munster Oaks was franked by runner up Carla Bianca at Leopardstown on Thursday.

Oaks winner Qualify maintains her partnership with classic winning jockey Colm O’Donoghue. I was disappointed with her no-show in the Irish Derby even given she was taking on the colts.

At bigger prices, O’Brien has Oaks seventh Together Forever and Kissed by Angels, who was well beaten in the Irish 1000 Guineas last time out and is stepping up from a mile.

I really fancied Jack Naylor for the Oaks and she has a great chance of Classic victory on a more conventional track. Jessie Harrington’s filly was an eye-catching fourth in the Irish Guineas but was only sixth at Epsom. Her stamina isn’t guaranteed but this track ought to suit much better than Epsom.

Covert Love is one of three British raiders. Hugo Palmer has trained her to win three of her four starts, including all three this season. She is steadily progressing and steps up from a mile and a quarter, which looks like it will be a benefit.

James Fanshawe never sends horses over to Ireland without good reason and his record backs that up. His Speedy Boarding won’t mind the rain that has fallen and is progressing. The step up to a mile and a half promises to bring about more improvement too and although her Newbury win hasn’t had too many chances to be franked, she has a shout at a decent price.

John Gosden is enjoying a great season and he runs one of the outsiders in Gretchen. She can’t be dismissed though as she was still inexperienced in the Ribblesdale behind Curvy and that experience will have stood her in good stead. You could do worse I think than to back Gretchen to finish in the first three but my money’s on the unexposed Words for the O’Brien team.

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Happy 43rd Birthday Heff

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What A Year For AOBFS Thanks to all our Visitors and Followers 

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Fields Of Athenry is pushed out by Seamie Heffernan
(Healy Racing Photos)

Fields Of Athenry made all as he ran out an impressive winner of the Listed Challenge Stakes under Seamie Heffernan.

A decisive winner of a maiden at Dundalk in May the son of Galileo was sent off favourite in the Ulster Derby on his next start.

He looked the likely victor turning into the straight there but he was caught close home by Botany Bay and had to settle for second.

Available at 9/4 last night with Paddy Power the Aidan O'Brien trained colt opened on-course at 15/8 before going off the 7/4 joint-favourite.

Having raced in a clear lead he was given a breather down the back straight before kicking on again approaching the home turn.

He extended his advantage in the straight and was given just one crack of the whip as he came home ten lengths to the good.

Silwana was the other joint-favourite and she finished second under Pat Smullen forDermot Weld while Drifting Mist was another two and a half lengths back in third.

Heffernan said afterwards: "He's been very impressive in all his runs this year. The high weight and inexperience just caught him out the last day. Joseph said he was ready for today.

"My plan was to jump out lay my hands down on his withers and let it happen. He was good today."

STEWARDS REPORT

W.M. Lordan, rider of Manndawi (FR), trained by Ed Dunlop (in GB), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount did not stay the trip.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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Aidan O'Brien has declared four for The Irish Oaks - Words, Qualify, Together Forever and Kissed By Angels

Irish Oaks Field Below 

Colm is on Qualify, Heff on Together Forever, Joseph on Words and Michael Hussey is on Kissed By Angels. In Irish oaks 

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Proud Mum Atlantic Jewell with her Foal (A Colt By Galileo) at Coolmore

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Ana shines on Pedestal

 By Donal Murphy

Wed 15th Jul 2015, 18:39

On A Pedestal is driven out by Ana O'Brien
(Healy Racing Photos)

Ana O'Brien guided the tricky On A Pedestal to her maiden victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.

Second on her last three starts the Ana O'Brien trained daughter of Montjeu is clearly not the most straightforward.

Settled in third on the outer she dropped to fourth as they approached the straight. She was ridden to challenge from two furlongs out and hit the front at the furlong pole, keeping on well from there to score by a length and a quarter.

The winner swished her tail under pressure while she also drifted left in the closing stages.

She was returned the well-backed 3/1 favourite having opened on-course at 4's.

Sidra (5/1) just held on to take second under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld and she was a short head in front of Princess Aloof (4/1) and Water Spirit (7/1) who dead-heated for third.

Ana O'Brien said afterwards: "She had been unlucky but had run some very good races. I'm delighted she has got her head in front and she's not too bad I think."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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ZOFFANY He's Flying

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Raphael last as Erupt shines in Paris

Tue 14th Jul 2015, 19:32

Archangel Raphael (centre)
(Healy Racing Photos)

Ballydoyle raider Archangel Raphael trailed in last of the six runners as Erupt maintained his unbeaten record in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp.

The Dubawi colt, trained by Francis Graffard, was brought with a well-timed run by Stephane Pasquier in the straight to power past Aidan O'Brien's pace-setting Archangel Raphael and Storm The Stars, trained by William Haggas.

Erupt (8-1), owned by the Niarchos family, quickly asserted his authority and won by a comfortable two lengths from the Andre Fabre-trained 7-4 favourite Ampere, who could not get a run at a crucial stage of the race.

Dual Derby-placed Storm The Stars was not disgraced as he clung on for third, having travelled nicely for Pat Cosgrave, with David Simcock's Royal Ascot winner Balios, who was held up in the rear, keeping on to be a close fifth, just behind Silverwave.

Betfred and Paddy Power introduced Erupt at 16-1 for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, with RaceBets and Coral going 14-1.

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Archangel Raphael finished last in the Grand Prix De Paris set the pace and ran out of gas here he is in the pre race parade ring.

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Gleneagles St James Palace Stakes Victory Piece By Me

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APOB CAREER STATS UPDATED 

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Curvy added to Irish Oaks but Rubies out

Tue 14th Jul 2015, 13:54

Curvy
(Healy Racing Photos)

Curvy and Covert Love are significant additions to the field for Saturday's Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh.

The David Wachman-trained Curvy clinched her fourth victory of the campaign in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last month and has been supplemented for this weekend's Classic.

Covert Love, trained by Newmarket handler Hugo Palmer, is also unbeaten in 2015 and connections have stumped up the cash to add her to the line-up following an impressive victory in the Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle.

Aidan O'Brien has saddled four previous Irish Oaks winners, including last year's heroine Bracelet.

The master of Ballydoyle has seven fillies among the 16 confirmed, but recent Pretty Polly winner Diamondsandrubies is not among them despite having traded as favourite for the race this morning.

Epsom Oaks winner Qualify, Together Forever and Words could represent O'Brien.

“It will all depend on how they are working and what way the ground will be - there is a little bit of rain hanging around - some of them would like it nice and some of them would like it on the soft side," said O'Brien.

“A mile and a half should suit Together Forever well, Qualify is a possible depending on ground and work and Words is a filly that has only had two runs, she won her Group 3 at Cork nicely.”

Ralph Beckett's Forte, the John Gosden-trained Gretchen and Speedy Boarding from James Fanshawe's yard could all join Covert Love on the trip from Britain.

Other possibles for the home team include Jessica Harrington's Jack Naylor and Jim Bolger's Pleascach.

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Irish Oaks Field

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Aidan O'Brien Update on Gleneagles (Audio Interview)

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Curragh now good ahead of Oaks

Tue 14th Jul 2015, 08:44

Diamondsandrubies is currently favourite for Irish Oaks
(Healy Racing Photos)

The ground at the Curragh is now good ahead of the Darley Irish Oaks on Saturday.

The going had been good to firm yesterday. The forecast is for rain this morning, clearing later, while it is set to be dry tomorrow. Further rain is forecast for Thursday.

There has only been a slight change in the ground description for the second day at Killarney this evening after 2mm of rain overnight.

The Flat course is now good to yielding having been good, good to yielding in places while the NH track remains good.

There will be fresh ground on the Flat track tomorrow while selective watering will take place on the NH track to maintain good ground.

Downpatrick remains good ahead of their jumps card this afternoon. The forecast is dry with just a risk of a shower.

The ground at Tipperary ahead of their fixture on Sunday is currently good, good to yielding in places.

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Sarah OK After Fall 

Horrible Incident at Killarney last night for Sarah O'Brien on Rosshaven Lady (red/white hoop) in the Bumper

Rosshaven Lady appeared to be coming with a winning challenge as the Aidan O'Brien-trained five-year-old heading front-runner Little Mitch over a furlong out.

However Sarah O'Brien mount edged left under pressure with the running rail ending at this point, and she carried Little Mitch (ridden by Pa King) with her as the pair crashed through a doll and railing about a further 50 yards on.

Both horses and riders appeared fine afterwards.

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Strong Goodwood team for O'Brien

• Last Updated: July 13 2015, 16:57 BST

Aidan O'Brien is assembling a formidable team for Glorious Goodwood at the end of this month.

Washington DC: Windsor Castle winner is likely to be aimed at the Molecomb Stakes

While Sussex Stakes contender Gleneagles undoubtedly takes top billing in the Ballydoyle squad being prepared for the Qatar-sponsored festival, plenty of other talented individuals are set to make the journey from County Tipperary, including a trio of juveniles.

Last weekend's Superlative Stakes runner-up Air Vice Marshal, Windsor Castle scorer Washington DC and Coventry second Air Force Blue have all been pencilled in for two-year-old races at Goodwood, while Father Christmas and Diamondsandrubies are among the older brigade.

Coolmore's UK representative Kevin Buckley said: "At this moment in time it looks like Air Vice Marshal is likely to take his place in the Vintage Stakes and all being well Washington DC will line up in the Molecomb and Air Force Blue will go for the Richmond after finishing a strong second in the Coventry.

"It's highly likely that Father Christmas will take his chance in the Gordon Stakes, while Diamondsandrubies will go for the Nassau."

Of those unlikely to be travelled to Goodwood, Buckley added: "Found is just having a little break at the moment, but there is nothing wrong with her, as she is being lined up for quite a vigorous campaign from September onwards.

"There's no point racing these fillies against each other and putting all your eggs in one basket.

"Kingfisher (Gold Cup runner-up) is fine, but I don't think there any plans to go to Goodwood with him."

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Gleneagles primed for Goodwood

• Last Updated: July 13 2015, 16:00 BST

Gleneagles is firmly on course for a titanic clash with French ace Solow in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Gleneagles: Will head for the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood

The dual 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace hero delighted trainer Aidan O'Brien in a piece of work on Friday and is all set to take on older horses for the first time in the mile showpiece on July 29.

Coolmore's UK representative Kevin Buckley said: "I met Aidan and Joseph on Saturday in Newmarket and they said he is in great shape and did a nice piece of work the previous day. Hopefully he will live up to expectations on the Sussex Downs.

"He is a specialist miler and Aidan O'Brien holds him in high esteem. He is a very tough horse, with a low action and you can see the Giant's Causeway coming through in him."

The question of who will ride Gleneagles is up in the air, however, with Ryan Moore awaiting news on how long he will be on the sidelines for after being injured in a stalls incident at Newmarket last week.

His father Gary Moore said on Saturday he expected his son to be out for "more than a month."

Buckley, speaking at a Goodwood preview lunch, said: "Ryan's accident only happened recently and we are still awaiting further updates, but it is an injury that is going to take some time and he needs to take that time, so when he comes back he is back to himself.

"We will stick with the position of using the best available on the day."

Solow was also successful at Royal Ascot, landing the Queen Anne Stakes to follow up his brilliant display in Dubai on World Cup night.

Trainer Freddy Head, who would like to see some rain, said: "Solow is very well, I'm very happy with him. I'm coming over here because it's a good race and as he's a gelding there are not many races in France for him.

"It's a very valuable race, the horse won at Ascot and we will try to win in Britain once more.

"I thought he ran a very good race at Ascot and I was happy with his run, I think it was as good as the other races he has won.

"He's an easy horse to ride and has plenty of speed, so the track will not be a problem.

"Obviously he is a very good horse, he was a bit backward and it took a bit of time for him to come to hand, but he is one of the better ones among the ones I have trained.

"It's going to be tough, Gleneagles is a very good horse and is the champion, but he has had a hard season for a three-year-old. It will be a great race, but I would like to see some rain as softer ground would help me more."

Toormore and Night Of Thunder were fourth and fifth respectively for Richard Hannon and are set to renew rivalries, ground permitting.

Hannon said: "Night Of Thunder won't run in the Sussex Stakes unless he gets some rain, while Toormore could be competitive.

"I was not happy at Ascot, but they both ran to the best of their abilities. I think Night Of Thunder may be better on a more turning track, while Toormore had to do all the donkey work out in front that day.

"Something will have to be different at Goodwood for them to beat those that finished in front.

"I can only see them getting closer to Solow rather than beating him."

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Archangel all set for Paris test

Mon 13th Jul 2015, 15:14

Archangel Raphael (centre) winning at Fairyhouse
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien will be represented by Archangel Raphael in the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on Tuesday.

The master of Ballydoyle landed the mile and a half Group One with Scorpion 10 years ago and with Imperial Monarch in 2012, and has high hopes for this son of Montjeu, who impressed when beating stablemate and subsequent winner Outspoken in good style at Fairyhouse recently.

"He has just had the one run this year in a three-runner race at Fairyhouse which he won well," said O'Brien.

"The step up to a mile and a half did not give him any problems.

"He is a horse that has been progressing well at home."

Good luck to Archangel Raphael in France Tomorrow

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2 Year Old International Rankings Update

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Photographer Michael Harris sent me some pics of Ballydoyle So Thought id share them with you (Newmarket 11/07/2015) Many Thanks to Michael

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Hobart wins easily as O'Brien doubles-up

 By Donal Murphy

Sun 12th Jul 2015, 19:21

Hobart comes home a clear winner under Joseph O'Brien
(Healy Racing Photos)

Having won the fifth with Outspoken Aidan O'Brien doubled-up in the last, the Bar One Racing Dual Race Day 16th August Maiden, as Hobart ran out an easy winner.

Ridden by Joseph O'Brien the son of Galileo was sent off the 10/11 favourite.

A beaten favourite on his last two starts he was fitted with blinkers for the first time today as he stepped up in trip to a mile and a half.

Settled in second he improved to lead over two furlongs out and he kept on well from there to score easily by eleven lengths.

Captain Carleton finished second at 13/8 (10/3 in the morning and from 2's on-course)under Fran Berry for Cormac Farrell.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "It looked a fairly winnable race beforehand. They went a good gallop and the distance was probably exaggerated. He probably ran near enough to his mark.

"The blinkers woke him up a bit. He was just backing off the bridle a bit before but the step up in trip also helped. It was good to get a win with him."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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Outspoken gets the job done

 By Gary Carson

Sun 12th Jul 2015, 17:21

Outspoken & Donnacha O'Brien (left) break from the stalls under the watchful eye of the handlers
(Healy Racing Photos)

Outspoken was sent off a short price to make it two wins from three runs in the Gilmore's Mercedes-Benz Race at Dundalk and duly did the business in workman-like fashion.

Donnacha O'Brien tracked the leader Xebec on the 8/15 shot and he was ridden into a narrow lead two furlongs from home.

He stuck on gamely and pulled away in the closing stages to post a four-and-a-quarter length victory.

The winner had scored on his debut at Navan before chasing home stable-mate Archangel Raphael in a similar three-runner conditions event a week ago at Fairyhouse.

"He's a lovely horse and will make a lovely stayer next year. He's still a bit weak and babyish but he has a fair engine," said the winning ride.

"He's lazy and never travelled strongly on the bridle but always travelled nicely and I always thought I was going to win.

"Joseph likes the horse that beat him the last day (Archangel Raphael) and he's in a Group 1 in France on Tuesday which says a lot about him."

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Successful Newmarket raid for Ballydoyle

Sat 11th Jul 2015, 18:15

Aidan O'Brien 
(Healy Racing Photos)

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Ballydoyle (4-7 favourite) got off the mark at the third attempt with a smooth success in the Rossdale EBF Stallions Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Newmarket.

Joseph O'Brien had the beautifully-bred youngster, who had just been pipped in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes on her previous start, close to the pace before asking her to go about her business.

Appreciating every yard of the seven furlongs she was putting in her best work at the finish as she pulled two and three-quarter lengths clear of Nemoralia with newcomer Haggle another two and a quarter lengths away in third.

The trainer said: "She had a nice first time run and ran a lovely race at Ascot and it was lovely to come here and win.

"Joseph was very happy with her. We could step up (in trip), but we'd have no problems keeping her at seven. There's a fillies' race at Leopardstown we might go to, but we'll just go gentle with her.

"We always thought she was a very nice filly. She is very well bred and I imagine she'll be a Guineas filly."

    

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Air Vice Marshall Pre Race

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Captain Barbossa takes the spoils from Listen Dear
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien's Captain Barbossa (13/8) had too many guns for Listen Dear in the two mile three furlong Buy Online @corkracecourse.ie Flat Race.< Captain Barbossa raced in second as 8/13 favourite Listen Dear set out to make all as she had done in Downpatrick.

On the turn into the home straight it was evident that market leaders had the race between them.< Listen Dear and Patrick Mullins came wide into the straight and raced on the stands-side as Captain Barbossa ploughed a furrow up the middle.< Captain Barbossa came through to lead with over two furlongs to race and powered away fromListen Dear who couldn't respond.

Sarah O'Brien steered the winner home by two and a quarter lengths from the odds-on favourite.

"It was a good run race and he stayed on very well," Joseph O'Brien said.

"There are winners' bumpers at Galway and Tipperary for him but we'll see how he comes out of this first - he can go wherever."

This made it two from two for Captain Barbossa who won a Ballinrobe bumper in May by a short head.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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The Mighty Gleneagles By Me

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ZOFFANY continues his Blistering start as a Sire

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Ryan Moore
(Healy Racing Photos)

Ryan Moore will sit out the remainder of the July meeting at Newmarket following a nasty incident before the final race at the track on Thursday.

Moore's mount Newton's Law became trapped under the stalls and while the rider was quickly to his feet, he walked away a little gingerly.

He was reported to be complaining of pain in his neck and was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for checks.

He stayed in hospital overnight and will undergo further examination today.

His agent Tony Hind said: "He's just taking the weekend off and will be having another scan today.

"He had a scan yesterday and they didn't find anything, but they kept him in overnight and he will be having another precautionary scan just to make sure there's nothing there.

"He's fine in himself - he's a very tough boy."

Moore had a handful of rides for Aidan O'Brien booked for Saturday, including Due Diligence in the Darley July Cup and Air Vice Marshal in the bet365 Superlative Stakes.

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The Heavyweight Showdown Only a matter of weeks away

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Yeats Bronze at Ballydoyle

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Archangel Raphael among 8 left in Tuesday's Grand Prix De Paris.

Kingfisher not left in the Goodwood Cup - Cougar Mountain and War Envoy in Celebration Mile and Due Diligence sole entry in Haydock Sprint Cup. 

Diamondsandrubies & Qualify Remain in King George 16 

Sir Isaac, War Envoy and Highland Reel taken out of the Prix Jean Prat,

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The stunning Adelaide at Coolmore Australia this morning.

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Ballydoyle duo Aloft and Bondi Beach feature in a strong Aidan O'Brien entry for the Betfred Ebor at York on August 20.

Jockey Ryan Moore and Aloft winning the Queen's Vase

O'Brien's three-year-olds currently share 12-1 favouritism with compatriot Quick Jack, trained by Tony Martin, and the Roger Charlton-trained Quest For More.

Dermot Weld, Ger Lyons, Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins also have entries in a 115-horse list for Europe's richest Flat handicap.

Pallasator, fourth as the 9-2 favourite in the race last season, might try again for Sir Mark Prescott, while others of note include Arab Dawn (Hughie Morrison) and Ajman Bridge (Luca Cumani).

York's Group Two Pinsent Masons Lowther Stakes on August 20 has lured 45 fillies, including runaway Royal Ascot scorer Acapulco, who is also engaged in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes a day later.

Easton Angel, runner-up to Wesley Ward's American ace in the Queen Mary, could renew rivalry for the Michael Dods operation.

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The latest forfeit stage for the key races at Glorious Goodwood sees Solow and Gleneagles on track for a Sussex Stakes clash.

Solow: Sussex Stakes possible

Europe's leading milers Gleneagles and Solowremain on course for a mouth-watering clash of the generations in the £1-million QIPCO Sussex Stakes on day two of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, Wednesday, July 29.

They headline 21 remaining entries for the brilliant mile contest following Group One victories at Royal Ascot last month. Gleneagles (Aidan O'Brien IRE) added wins in the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas with an easy success in the St James's Palace Stakes, while five-year-old Solow (Freddy Head FR) notched up his seventh consecutive victory in the Queen Anne Stakes.

Also among the acceptors for the Qatar Sussex Stakes is the Richard Hannon-trained pair of Night Of Thunder and Toormore, who were first and second in the Group One Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May.

The champion trainer has also confirmed dual Group Two scorers Estidhkaarand Ivawood among a five-strong team which is completed by Moheet.

Ireland's champion trainer Aidan O'Brien also has five possible starters, with Gleneagles joined by Queen Anne Stakes third Cougar Mountain, Due Diligence, Father Frost and fellow Royal Ascot scorer War Envoy.

Other notable acceptors include the Charlie Hills-trained pair of Cable Bay andDutch Connection, winner of the Group Three Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, plus impressive Group Three winner Arod (Peter Chapple-Hyam).

Two female entries are dual Group One winner Integral (Sir Michael Stoute), who needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Royal Ascot, and QIPCO 1,000 Guineas runner-up Lucida (Jim Bolger IRE).

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VERRAZANO

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Weekend Entries In UK

230 Newmarket Thursday Bahrain Trophy Listed

Archangel Raphael - Bantry Bay - Feilds Of Athenry - Outspoken (3 of these Doubtful's as raced last few days)

235 Newmarket Saturday Superlative Stakes Group 2

Air Vice Marshall 

245 Ascot Saturday Summer Mile Group 2

Cougar Mountain

345 Newmarket Saturday July Cup Group 1

Due Diligence

420 Newmarket Saturday Maiden Stakes

Ballydoyle 

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Mountain set for trip descent

Cougar Mountain will drop back in distance after his weary effort in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt seemingly failed to see out the mile and a quarter of the esteemed Group One as he was comprehensively beaten by the brilliant Golden Horn.

Before that, he had finished a deeply encouraging third in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"We'll go back in trip to a mile with him," said O'Brien.

"Joseph (O'Brien) was saying to me that he was only beaten two lengths in the Nunthorpe so, in fairness, we were maybe stretching it going a mile and a quarter.

"I'd say he'll be lovely back at a mile."

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Archangel Raphael beats Outspoken home Commentary by Jamie Lindsay

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Joseph O'Brien rider of Antelope Canyon 
(Healy Racing Photos)

Antelope Canyon got off the mark on his third start as he took the opener at Roscommon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, under Joseph O'Brien for his father Aidan.

Last on his debut at Leopardstown the son of Fastnet Rock was fifth to Final Frontier on his next start at the Curragh.

Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time today he tracked the leader in the early stages before improving to the front after two furlongs.

He was ridden under two furlongs out and while he was strongly pressed inside the final furlong he battled gamely to prevail by three parts of a length.

Escondida finished second at 9/4 under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger while the 13/8 favourite Haraz finished last - Shane Foley reported his saddle slipped after a furlong and a half.

The winner was 9/2 last night but opened on-course at 6's before going off an 11/2 chance.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He was very green first time out. Emmet (McNamara) rode him and said he would come on a lot. He was still green at the Curragh but better today.

"The step up to seven furlongs helped him, and he'll progress with racing."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

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Archangel Raphael (Joseph O'Brien, purple and white, centre) keeps up the gallop
(Healy Racing Photos)

The Children Under 18 Free Everyday At Fairyhouse Rated Race was reduced to a three runner affair with Edelpour's defection owing to a nasal discharge. Ballydoyle were two-handed and they supplied the first two home, Archangel Raphael (13/8) defeating 6/5 favourite Outspoken.

Joseph O'Brien partnered Archangel Raphael, equipped with both first-time cheek-pieces and a tongue-strap, on his reappearance following a Galway maiden win last September.

The Montjeu colt made a lot of the running and he kept on strongly in the final furlong to get the better of Donnacha's mount, Outspoken, by two lengths.

Botany Bay, the Ulster Derby hero, was five lengths off the front pair, last of the three.

"He's quite laidback and the cheek-pieces were a help. It was never really in doubt and he won snug at the line," said Joseph.

"A mile and a half is no problem to him, and I'd say he'll get further in time."

(AM & EM)

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From Joseph 

The champ enjoying the sun and a pick this morning - Gleneagles 

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Outstanding earned a decent chunk of prize-money in America on Saturday as 

Ballydoyle's filly finished third in the Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes.

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 OUTSTANDING 3rd Behind a very very impressive Lady Eli In The Belmont Oaks

Outstanding & Colm AT Belmont Park 

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Former Ballydoyle inmate Eye of the Storm Takes Marathon 

Saturday 4 July 2015

Eye Of The Storm (5-1) landed a cosy success in Sandown's Coral Marathon under Pat Dobbs.

Amanda Perrett's charge could be called the winner some way out as he was swinging along on the bridle while the majority of his rivals in the extended two-mile heat kicked into overdrive.

However, Angel Gabrial and Forgotten Voice were not prepared to go down without a fight and threw down late challenges in the final furlong.

Eye Of The Storm, who was a Listed and Group Three winner when trained by Aidan O'Brien, had plenty in reserve, though, and fended off their efforts by a head and half a length respectively.

Perrett is now targeting the Qatar Goodwood Cup on July 30 for the five-year-old, who was having just his second start for new connections.

She said: "He was a little bit keen and he will have to learn to settle better when he goes to Goodwood. He loves life and it's not easy only having one eye, but he is brave and that is one thing you can say about him.

"He was bought as a Goodwood Cup horse as the owner (George Materna) loves his stayers and he has a box at the track."

Chain Of Daisies (5-2 joint favourite) saw off fellow market leader Pacify in fine style when winning the Download The Coral App Handicap by three and a quarter lengths.

Winning trainer Henry Candy said: "She's taken a long time to grow into her massive frame. She's got some strength and her huge stride was tailor-made for Sandown.

"Dane O'Neill said she was looking around all the time when she hit the front. We will look at a 10-furlong fillies' handicap."

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Tesseract wins in good style under Sarah O'Brien
(Healy Racing Photos)

Tesseract maintained Sarah O'Brien's impressive recent strike rate, and in the process completed a double on the card for her father Aidan, when making all in the McLoughlin Oil Flat Race at Bellewstown.

Sarah has now won on six of her last eight rides, and was seen to good effect here dictating matters from the front.

The evens favourite, successful at Tipperary last month, stayed on well inside the final furlong to shake off the challenge of Roconga.

Three and a half lengths separated the pair at the line, with Supreme Vinnie another four and a half lengths back in third.

Aidan O'Brien said, “Sarah was delighted with him and Joseph was very happy. We were very happy coming here after the last day.

“We have a nice team of jump horses developing and I'm really surplus to requirements at the minute and following the lads!

“He relaxed lovely in front and is going to be a lovely horse in the future.”

Aidan O’Brien bookended the card nicely as he also sent out Marchese Marconi to justify prohibitive odds in the opening 2m4f conditions hurdle.

(GC & AM)

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Marchese Marconi 
(Healy Racing Photos)

The first race at Bellewstown tonight cut up to only three runners and hotpot Marchese Marconi got the job done with a convincing front-running performance.

Mark Walsh set the pace on the 2/7 favourite and he had plenty up his sleeve to repel the challenge of Aminabad.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained gelding kept on well in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-half length victory in the colours of JP McManus.

The winner was gaining reward for his consistency and Galway is now next on the agenda.

Joseph O'Brien was representing his father and said:-

"It wasn't ideal having to make the running but he's a lovely horse and he's very consistent.

"He might go for the GPT (Connacht Hotel Q.R. Handicap) or something. He ran in it last year but didn't get a great trip around.

"He's a fun horse to have. Looking at him today you'd think he'll jump a fence."

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Aidan At Sandown

Cougar Mountain Looks Great in The Pre Parade Ring 

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IGUGU Galileo's Joint most successful G1 Winning Daughter (With Misty For Me)  has had a foal By Dansili. The 4 time Group One winner has had a Daughter and we look forward to seeing her on the track in 2017 

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ON POINT: An Outstanding Pick to Beat Lady Eli in the Belmont Oaks

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APOB Entries - THU 9 JUL 2015 Newmarket BAHRAIN TROPHY (GROUP 3) 

Archangel Raphael - Bantry Bay -  Fields Of Athenry - Outspoken - SIR HENRY 

CECIL STAKES (LISTED RACE)  War Envoy

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Homeland an unbeaten Ballydoyle Juvenile Last Term made his debut for new trainer Brian Rothwell on June 18th and finished 7th & last in a 5f conditions sprint at Beverley you would think a trip way too short for a Galileo 3 year old. 

Former Ballydoyle inmate Headquarters (3YO) Makes his debut for Mike De Koch at 2pm Doncaster today. He Remains in Coolmore Ownership. 

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Sherlock Holmes holds off Crystal Earth 
(Healy Racing Photos)

Donnacha O'Brien is hopeful of a bright future for Sherlock Holmes after a battling victory in the McCabes Mitsubishi Motors Handicap at Bellewstown.

O'Brien made the running on the 8/15 shot in the 1m6f contest but he was strongly pressed in the closing stages.

The Ballydoyle hotpot was asked to quicken coming down the hill and was all out in the closing stages to repel Crystal Earth by half a length.

The Galileo colt was making his handicap debut having run out an easy winner of a Ballinrobe maiden on his last start.

"He was always just doing enough. He's a big staying horse and stays all day," said the winning rider afterwards.

"I probably didn't go quick enough on him. They quickened up to me but were never going to get past.

"He's a grand big horse and you never know, in a few years time he could be an Ascot Gold Cup horse."

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Outstanding winning at Naas
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien sends Outstanding to America to bid for victory in the Belmont Oaks on Saturday.

While the daughter of Galileo may not be near the top of the pecking order at Ballydoyle after failing to make the frame in both her starts as a two-year-old, she can boast a 100 per cent record from two outings this term.

After winning a maiden at Naas in May, she returned to the same track a month later to claim the Listed Oaks Trial over this 10-furlong trip.

She will need to continue her upward curve as the race has attracted a competitive field of 14 runners.

Among the promising fillies in the line-up are Todd Pletcher's Itsonlyactingdad and Kiaran McLaughlin's Sentiero Italia.

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    COOLMORE COLLECTION NEW RANGE    

Featuring Australia, So You Think, War Command, Pierro, Scat Daddy & Verrazano > http://www.coolmorecollection.com/international-collection

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A Postcard From The Magnificent Coolmore Ireland (Fethard) Created By Me

A Postcard From the Magnificent Coolmore Australia Created by Me

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Outstanding Out to emulate Minorette In Belmont Oaks 

Outstanding Will run on Saturday Night at Belmont Park in The Belmont Oaks Invitational Colm has also gone over to take the ride.

Outstanding  will be hoping to emulate Former Ballydoyle Filly Minorette who won the Race Last Year for Coolmore with new trainer Chad Brown. 

Outstanding is unbeaten as a 3 year old, she was last seen winning the Oaks Trial A Listed Contest at Naas On The 24th of June she Broke her maiden at the same track on May 13th.

Outstanding had 2 failed attempts to break her maiden as a Juvenile but has flourished in her Classic Year and now bids for Group One Success in America.

Father Christmas was expected to run in the Colts Equivalent The Belmont Derby But plans have changed.

Minorette under Joel Rosario captures the Belmont Oaks in 2014    

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                                       Click on Image Below and will Take You To The Video 

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APOB Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes (Gr1) Entries (Sept12) - Fluff - 

Found - Kissed By Angels - Outstanding - Together Forever - Words

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Cradle Mountain scores under Donnacha O'Brien 
(Healy Racing Photos)

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Cradle Mountain found plenty from the front to land the odds in the concluding median auction race at Fairyhouse tonight.

Donnacha O'Brien made the running on the 4/5 shot but Gallope looked a big danger as he came under pressure two furlongs from home.

The Mastercraftsman colt kept responding for O'Brien junior, however, and Gallope could make no impression inside the final furlong as the favourite galloped on strongly for a length-and-a-half verdict.

The pair pulled 12 lengths clear of the only other runner Walkabout.

The winner, in the colours of the rider's mother Anne-Marie, had been placed on three of his five outings since winning his maiden at Naas in April.

"He's very idle and I'd say he'd make a lovely jumper in the future when he's gelded," said the winning rider afterwards.

It was Donnacha O'Brien's first winner since dropping to a 5lb claim.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)

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New Horse Purchased

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Aidan's Raced 2yo Ranked on International Ratings

Aidan's 3 Year Olds Based on International Ratings (100 Rated Minimum)

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Timeform Global Rankings European Division Ballydoyle Spotlight & News

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