AIDAN O’BRIEN will be double-handed in Saturday’s Qipco 2,000 Guineas after declaring Gleneagles (Ryan Moore) and Ol’ Man River (Joseph O’Brien) for the season’s first Classic.
The Ballydoyle pair will not be joined by Maftool after Godolphin revealed their intention to wait for the French version on Sunday week.
Joseph O'Brien: told his father Aidan he can get down to 9st for weekend
PICTURE: Patrick McCann(racingpost.com/photos)
Joseph set for surprise return in Guineas
BY DAVID MILNES7:01AM 30 APR 2015
JOSEPH O’BRIEN is set to make a surprise appearance at this weekend’s Qipco Guineas meeting at Newmarket after winning the fight with the scales that has curbed his opportunities this season.
The 21-year-old, who won the 2,000 Guineas on Camelot in 2013, is in the frame to partner fancied Ballydoyle runners in both Qipco-sponsored Classics after telling his father Aidan he can get down to 9st by the weekend.
O’Brien, who has been riding at 9st 5lb and above, has declared himself ready for a return to the big stage at Newmarket.
Although it remains likely Ryan Moore will partner favourite Gleneagles in the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday, O’Brien could be in the mix for the mount on one of his stablemates, Ol’ Man River or War Envoy, who remain in the picture. Highland Reel is out of the equation with the Poule d’Essai des Poulains on Sunday week his intended target.
Speaking by telephone to a Guineas preview media event at Newmarket on Wednesday, O’Brien snr revealed: “Joseph is talking about being back riding at 9st by the weekend and it could well be he rides one of our runners in the Classics.”
The trainer added: “Gleneagles is in good form and this is his trip. We took him to the Curragh for a canter and he’s been in grand form since then.
“It’s possible War Envoy could go, and Ol’ Man River is another under consideration, and we think he’d get a mile and a quarter or possibly further.”
The Ballydoyle picture for the 1,000 Guineas is less clear, with a decision on the participation of favourite Found set to go down to the wire. Declarations are on Friday morning.
O’Brien said: “We’re still not 100 per cent sure about Found. She worked this morning and we were happy with her, but she’s on her way back from a setback so we’ll give her a few more days before we decide. It’s not crucial we run her, but obviously the 1,000 Guineas is a Classic.
“If she doesn’t run at Newmarket she could go to the Curragh on Monday for the Athasi Stakes.”
He added: “Together Forever is in good form and worked well this morning, but it depends what happens with Found whether she runs or not. On the other hand, Qualify is a definite runner and has no issues with the likely fast ground. She’s one Joseph could possibly ride.”
Yorkshire Oaks heroine Tapestry is set to make her seasonal debut in Monday's Group Three So You Think Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh.
A small but select field of six were left in the race at Wednesday's final forfeit stage with Tapestry set to take on Dermot Weld's recent Leopardstown winner Fascinating Rock and Jim Bolger's Alleged Stakes winner Parish Hall.
Aidan O'Brien will be looking to secure an eighth win in the race and a sixth in a row with the daughter of Galileo who could be aimed back at the Curragh after he first run of the season.
O'Brien said; "Tapestry is ready to start off and is in good shape. If all goes well at the Curragh on Monday she could return for the Tattersalls Gold Cup or we might look at the Coronation Cup at Epsom."
Admission to the Curragh on Monday is only E10 for the Newbridge Parishes Family Raceday when children under 16 will be admitted free.
Ante-post favourite Found remains an uncertain runner in the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien last week warned his Prix Marcel Boussac winner was not guaranteed to make the trip to Headquarters, and while she features among the 15 confirmations, that remains the case.
O'Brien has also left in Together Forever and Qualify , while the Jim Bolger-trained Lucida is another major hope for Ireland.
The Ballydoyle trainer said on Monday evening: "We still haven't made a decision on Found. We will probably have to make a decision tomorrow. She only did a slow canter when all the horses worked after racing at the Curragh as she had a temperature a few weeks before that.
"It wouldn't be fair to run her if everybody wasn't happy that she could do her best in the Guineas, and we need to keep the rest of the year in mind for her. She is coming along but it's just a question of whether the Guineas comes too soon.
"The other two fillies (Qualify and Together Forever) could run on Sunday."
Memories of Giant's Causeway as a potential new Coolmore star is readied for classic glory
Gleneagles, Joseph O'Brien up, wins the G1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh. Photo: Healy Racing/RacingFotos.com
APRIL 27, 2015 BY DON MCCLEAN
You can plot the graph of Gleneagles’ odds for next Saturday's Qipco 2,000 Guineas quite easily. He was 33-1 after he won his maiden at the Curragh last June, 25-1 after he won the G3 Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown in July, 20-1 after he won the G2 Futurity Stakes at the Curragh in August, 16-1 after he won the G1 National Stakes at the Curragh in September. Then he won the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp in October, and the bookmakers weren’t sure what to do.
In actuality, he didn’t win it. Well, he did win it, but he lost it 20 minutes later. If the race had been run in Ireland or Britain, he would have kept the race. He was the best horse in it on the day, the winner on merit. But he drifted to his right inside the final 100 yards, squeezed up Full Mast and Territories on his inside, and, under the French rules of racing, you just can’t do that. He was never going to be allowed keep the race.
Generally available at between 8-1 and 10-1 for the Guineas at the start of 2015, there has been downward pressure on his odds since, even though he has not raced in public. Reports on his work under the tutelage of champion trainer Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle have been positive since the beginning of March, and he was a 3-1 shot by the end of it.
Then the Guineas trials began. Faydhan was beaten in the Free Handicap; Moheet and Nafaqa were beaten in the Craven Stakes; Ivawood and Belardo and Estidhkaar and Flaming Spear were beaten in the Greenham. Gleneagles’ Guineas odds were compressed again as he stood, nonplussed, in his box. He is as short as 7-4 with some bookmakers now.
It is interesting that his trainer’s son, Joseph, who rode Gleneagles to all his five victories last season, compared him to the six-time G1 winner, Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up and champion U.S. sire Giant’s Causeway in a recent interview with the Racing Post. “He looked like possibly the best juvenile around last season,” Joseph said. “I’m really excited about him. He’d remind you of Giant’s Causeway in an awful lot of ways.”
The comparison is understandable. Gleneagles is by Galileo out of You’resothrilling, the G2 Cherry Hinton Stakes winner by Storm Cat out of Mariah’s Storm, which makes her a full-sister to Giant’s Causeway.
“We bought Mariah’s Storm at Keeneland in 1996,” recalled David O’Loughlin, director of sales at Coolmore Stud. “We paid $2.6 million for her, in foal to Storm Cat. You always hope, but we could never have expected that her foal would turn out to be the horse that he turned out to be.”
Mariah’s Storm herself was tough. She fractured her cannon bone in 1993, but returned to the track in 1994 to land the Arlington Heights Oaks and the Arlington Matron, winning 10 times in total, including six times at graded level. She has obviously passed on her toughness to her offspring.
Winner of all three races that he contested as a juvenile, Giant’s Causeway ran 10 times as a 3-year-old. He won six times and finished second four times. Nine of those 10 races were at G1 level, and he was never out of the first two. He won the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Eclipse Stakes, the Sussex Stakes, the Juddmonte International, and the Irish Champion Stakes, and none of them by more than three parts of a length. He was tough, but he only just did as much as he needed to do.
“He was lazy all right,” O’Loughlin said. “But he was hardy. That was what made him the racehorse that he was. He demonstrated that in all his races, especially in the Eclipse at Sandown, when he got back up to beat Kalanisi by a head. That was some performance.”
Giant’s Causeway stood his first season as a stallion at Coolmore Stud in Ireland, but then moved to Ashford Stud, Coolmore’s base in Kentucky.
“Montjeu was here [at Coolmore in Ireland] as well at the time,” O’Loughlin said, “and Galileo won the Derby in 2001, so he was coming here. Giant’s Causeway had had a lot of interest from American breeders even when he was in Ireland, so it made sense to let him go to America. It was good to strengthen the team in America as well.”
Even that one season spent in Ireland was hugely significant. Shamardal was a member of that first Giant’s Causeway crop. He won the G2 Vintage Stakes and the G1 Dewhurst Stakes as a juvenile, then landed the French Guineas, the French Derby, and the St James’s Palace Stakes as a 3-year-old.
The unbeaten 2,000 Guineas winner Footstepsinthesand was also a member of that first crop, as were G1 Coronation Stakes winner Maids Causeway and G1 Prix de l’Opera runner-up Mona Lisa.
Since moving to America, “The Iron Horse” has gone from strength to strength, a multiple champion sire and responsible for a plethora of G1 winners and top-class performers, including the exciting Carpe Diem, G1 Blue Grass Stakes winner at Keeneland two weeks ago and high in the betting for the Kentucky Derby.
“I can see the similarities,” O’Loughlin said. “Gleneagles looks tough. Of course, he has a long way to go if he is to even get close to Giant’s Causeway, but he seems to have the same tenacity. He’s a battler.”
It is a family of battlers. Gleneagles’ dam, Giant’s Causeway’s sister, battled on well to win that Cherry Hinton Stakes. Her daughter, Gleneagles’ full-sister Marvellous, showed her tenacity when she landed the Irish 1,000 Guineas on soft ground last year. Incidentally, You’resothrilling also has a filly foal on the ground and a yearling colt, both, like Gleneagles and Marvellous, by Galileo, and she has a 2-year-old filly also by Galileo who is already named: Coolmore. She has a champion’s name, and that’s a good start in life.
Interestingly, Giant’s Causeway did not win the 2,000 Guineas as a 3-year-old in 2000. He won his prep race, the G3 Gladness Stakes over seven furlongs at the Curragh that April, but he could only finish second to King’s Best in the Guineas at Newmarket in May, and he was beaten a neck by Bachir in the Irish 2,000 Guineas three weeks later. Then he rattled off those five G1s on the spin.
And he rounded off a magnificent career on the track with a pulsating run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs, where he was beaten a neck by Tiznow on his only run on dirt. He was one of the most prolific 3-year-olds in Europe in the modern era.
Gleneagles will go to Newmarket on Saturday without a prep run, but you get the feeling that Team Coolmore/Ballydoyle are happy with his preparations thus far. Ask David O’Loughlin how he thinks he will do, and he is unequivocal:
Cradle Mountain is ridden out by Donnacha O'Brien with Valac back in second (Healy Racing Photos)
Donnacha O'Brien recorded his first winner of the Flat Turf Season as he partneredCradle Mountain to victory in the last at Naas, the Best Price Guarantee At thetote.com Median Auction Maiden.
Trained by O'Brien's father Aidan the son of Mastercraftsman was well-beaten on his debut at Cork in October of last year before again finishing down the field at Dundalk in April.
He kept on well to finish second to Castlelyons at Cork on Monday last and he was sent off the 5/1 second favourite this evening.
Having raced in mid-division earlier on he was sent to the front after two furlongs and he was ridden over two furlongs out when joined by Valac.
He regained the lead over a furlong from home and he kept on well under pressure from there, going on to score comfortably by two and three parts of a length.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He's tough and kept at it well. He likes an ease in the ground."
The winner, who holds entries in the Irish 2000 Guineas and the Irish Derby, is a half-brother to Ruscello who won a Group 3 in Australia for Ed Walker.
All the Ballydoyle big guns stood their ground in Saturday's Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Aidan O'Brien has left in ante-post favourite Gleneagles, Highland Reel, Ol' Man River and War Envoy at the confirmation stage.
Roger Varian and owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum have supplemented impressive Newbury winner Intilaaq at a cost of £30,000.
Third on his debut at Ascot last September, he showed the benefit of a winter on his back when bounding clear of some decent rivals to win by eight lengths on his return to action.
Varian could also run last season's Dewhurst winner, Belardo, but there would need to be a give in the ground for him to take his chance.
The Newmarket handler told his website, www.varianstable.com: "Intilaaq won at Newbury like a very good horse and he has trained beautifully since.
"He has natural speed to be comfortable at a mile but also has the stamina to stay further, which should stand him in good stead in a 2000 Guineas.
"He is a colt we have always held in high regard and we feel he deserves to take his chance in an open-looking race.
"Belardo has also been left in the 2000 Guineas. He didn't let himself down on the fast ground at Newbury but he has come out of that race perfectly fine.
"We have every reason to believe that he will continue to be a Group One horse but will need ease in the ground to be at his best.
"We would need the ground to ease for him to take his chance on Saturday."
As expected, Godolphin also paid to supplement the Andre Fabre-trained Territories, an impressive winner of a Group Three recently. Fabre could also run Make Believe.
Richard Hannon has left in Estidhkaar, Ivawood, Kool Kompany and Moheet, with the latter owned by Al Shaqab Racing, who are also represented by John Quinn's Coventry winner The Wow Signal.
Muharaar, Dutch Connection, Home Of The Brave, Nafaqa and Freddy Head's Ride Like The Wind are among 28 colts going forward for the Classic.
Qatar Racing are responsible for Racing Post Trophy winner Elm Park, while one notable absentee was Dermot Weld's Zawraq.
Found pictured on her way to victory at Longchamp last year (Healy Racing Photos)
Ante-post favourite Found is one of 15 fillies still in contention for the Qipco 1000 Guineas on Sunday.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien last week warned his Prix Marcel Boussac winner was not certain run in the Newmarket showpiece, but she remains on the list following the confirmation stage.
O'Brien has also left in Together Forever and Qualify, while the Jim Bolger-trained Lucida is another major hope for Ireland
Beautiful Romance will not be making the trip to Newmarket following a setback.
The daughter of New Approach looked the real deal in a Doncaster maiden last October, and was hardly disgraced when third in the Nell Gwyn on her return to action.
Godolphin's filly has, however, now been ruled out of the Newmarket Classic, with the Epsom Oaks confirmed as a main goal.
"It is nothing major, but it has held her up enough to rule her out of racing this weekend," trainer Saeed bin Suroor told www.godolphin.com.
"But I am hopeful that she will be back on target for the Oaks and other big races this summer.
Other leading contenders include Fadhayyil, Malabar and Tiggy Wiggy.
Found: ante-post favourite uneasy in Guineas market
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
O'Brien holding fire on Found decision
BY TONY O'HEHIR7:20AM 26 APR 2015
A DECISION on whether Qipco 1,000 Guineas favourite Found lines up at Newmarket next Sunday will not be made for another couple of days, her trainer Aidan O'Brien said on Saturday.
Found was eased out further by bookmakers, to a general 7-2 (from 3), with Lucida cut to 6-1 (from 7) second favourite. Found's stablemate Together Forever is a general 7-1.
Found pleased O'Brien when she worked on Saturday morning, after which the trainer said of his Prix Marcel Boussac winner: "She went nicely. Joseph [O'Brien] rode her and he was very happy with her.
"However, we'll wait and see how she is early in the week before deciding if she'll go to Newmarket."
Together Forever won the Fillies' Mile last year, while 33-1 shot Qualify, a Group 3 winner at the Curragh last season, is also in the Newmarket mix for Ballydoyle.
"We'll decide about Together Forever when we're deciding about Found, while the plan is for Qualify to run if the ground is no slower than good," said O'Brien, who has sent out two winners of the 1,000 Guineas - Virginia Waters in 2005 and Homecoming Queen in 2012.
On Saturday Gleneagles will lead O'Brien's bid for a seventh Qipco 2,000 Guineas win.
The trainer said: "All is good with Gleneagles. We haven't decided yet whether Highland Reel will join him. We're happy with him but we have the option of sending him for the French Guineas instead. Ol' Man River remains a possible for Newmarket."
It has yet to be confirmed whether Zawraq, who landed the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial two weeks ago, will attempt to give Dermot Weld a second 2,000 Guineas win, 12 years on from Refuse To Bend.
The trainer said on Saturday: "We haven't made any decision about Zarwaq and whether he'll run at Newmarket."
The son of Shamardal has many other big-race entries, including the Irish 2,000 Guineas, Investec Derby and St James's Palace Stakes, and Weld has mentioned the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown on May 10 as a possible alternative to the Newmarket Classic.
Adelaide: will stand his first season in Australia for a fee of A$22,000
No shuttle duties for Derby winner Camelot
BY BLOODSTOCK WORLD STAFF11:27AM 24 APR 2015
DERBY winner Camelot will not be shuttling to Coolmore Australia for the 2015 covering season.
The son of late stud stalwart Montjeu made the trip down under last year, standing for a fee of A$22,000.
However, the roster has been bolstered in recent days by the announcement that Cox Plate hero Adelaide would be standing at stud this season - his fee has been set at $22,000 (£11,300/€15,800).
Camelot's studmates Excelebration, Holy Roman Emperor, So You Think and Zoffany will be joining the Coolmore Australia team again this year. Outstanding miler Excelebration will stand for a fee of A$16,500 (£8,490/€11,850), down from A$22,000 last year.
Holy Roman Emperor, whose top Australia progeny include Group 1 winner Mongolian Khan, New Zealand 2,000 Guineas winner Roll Out The Carpet and smart sprinter Angelic Light, is returning to shuttle duties after a five-year break. He will be available for a fee of A$22,000.
So You Think is standing for A$49,500 (£25,465/€35,560), down from A$55,000, while Zoffany, who sired his first winner on Thursday, is standing for an unchanged fee of $8,800 (£4,530/€6,320).
Former Fethard resident Declaration Of War, who relocated to the operation's Kentucky base for the 2015 season, is also standing for a slightly reduced fee of A$24,750 (£12,730/€17,780), down from A$27,500.
The 2015 roster will be without long-term resident Spinning World, who has been retired due to old age. The 22-year-old son of Nureyev, also a former shuttle stallion, is the sire of Group 1 winner and smart producer Spinning Queen, Dewhurst third Tendulkar and late sire Thorn Park among others.
Also absent from the line-up is Haradasun, who has been relocated to Grange William Stud in New Zealand.
A fee has yet to be set for new addition Rubick, who is being aimed at the Queensland carnival.
Kilimanjaro on the scent of victory in Dundalk (Healy Racing Photos)
Kilimanjaro, on seasonal debut with a hood fitted for the first time, took the extended mile and a quarter maiden for Aidan and Joseph O'Brien.
Just five runners went to post, but all five held possibilities in the home straight. Blue Skimmer led the way and Give Battle and Azzuri ran second and third. Kilimanjaro raced in fourth with Infinite Loop close enough if good enough in fifth.
Inside the two marker and Kilimanjaro started to wind up his challenge down the outside. It became a two-horse race in the final furlong as Give Battle refused to give way on Kilimanjaro's inner.
However, in the last 150 yards Kilimanjaro began to get on top and the 2/1 favourite drew away by two and a quarter lengths from the 8/1 shot.
"He's always worked really nicely and was quite disappointing last year. He's well named as he's quite big and was probably a bit backward," said Joseph O'Brien.
"He did things well there and hopefully he'll progress."
The winner ran twice as a two-year-old and came in ninth and sixth.
King Of Aragon 1m4 Maiden Tipperary Thu 23 Apr 2015 Video Replay
Aragon completes Ballydoyle double
By Gary Carson
Thu 23rd Apr 2015, 18:40
King Of Aragon (Healy Racing Photos)
King Of Aragon completed a short priced double for Ballydoyle at Tipperary tonight when running out a cosy winner of the mile-and-a-half maiden on the card.
Joseph O'Brien was soon in front on the Montjeu colt and he had his rivals at work before the turn for home.
The 2/5 shot was asked to quicken over a furlong from home and kept on strongly in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-quarter length victory.
Jaleo, who had chased the leader for most, battled back to regain the second spot close home.
The winner had chased home Edelpour on his return to action at Gowran Park 12 days ago.
"He did it nicely, came forward from his run the last day and handled the ground," saidAidan O'Brien.
"He quickened up well and will stay further.
"We'll see where he'll slot in and he might go for one of the Trials at Lingfield, Chester or here in Ireland."
Aidan and Joseph O'Brien had also landed the opening two-year-old race with Washington DC.
Washington DC Tipperary Maiden 23 April 2015 - Impressive
Washington looks smart in opener
By Gary Carson
Thu 23rd Apr 2015, 17:45
Washington DC (Healy Racing Photos)
Washington DC cruised to victory in the opening two-year-old maiden at Tipperary tonight, justifying strong support for the Zoffany colt.
20/1 shot Nice And Dandy took the field over to the far side in the five furlong contest as he cut out the running.
He was tracked throughout by the Ballydoyle hotpot and Joseph O'Brien was looking around confidently from two furlongs out on his mount.
The 4/9 shot (5/4 this morning) eased clear inside the final furlong to win by two-and-three quarter lengths without coming off the bridle.
The winner had been held by a neck, by Blood Moon, on his debut at Dundalk when he had Nice And Dandy two-and-a-half lengths behind in third.
It was a first winner for first crop sire Zoffany, who had been a top-class two-year-old himself, winning the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes.
"He's a fast horse and travelled very strong. Dundalk is a great place to teach them and the Marble Hill Stakes now looks the right thing for him - I imagine he'll be a Norfolk Stakes horse," said Aidan O'Brien afterwards.
"I had another Zoffany horse run at the Curragh and was very green but they have speed."
ANTE-POST favourite Found will have a make-or-break gallop on Saturday morning in order to decide whether she will take her chance in next week's Qipco 1,000 Guineas.
The daughter of Galileo is no bigger than 5-2 for the May 3 race but trainer Aidan O'Brien revealed to the Racing Post on Thursday afternoon that she is not yet certain to run.
"She had a temperature a few weeks before we brought a team of horses to work after racing at the Curragh last month, so she did less than others that day," he said.
"She's been back in full work for the past few weeks and we're hoping she will make the 1,000 Guineas. She will work on Saturday morning and we'll make a decision afterwards. If she doesn't make Newmarket then she's in the Irish Guineas and the Investec Oaks."
Lucida, trained by Jim Bolger for Godolphin, sits second in the betting to Found at a best-priced 10-1, along with the favourite's stablemate Together Forever.
Adelaide: son of Galileo triumphed in the Cox Plate last year
Adelaide retired to stand at Coolmore Australia
BY BLOODSTOCK WORLD STAFF1:12PM 23 APR 2015
ADELAIDE, a dual winner at the highest level, has been retired from racing and will join the roster at Coolmore's Australian base in New South Wales for the southern hemisphere breeding season.
Owned by a partnership including the Coolmore triumvirate of John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, Adelaide spent the majority of his career under the guidance of Aidan O'Brien.
A winner of his only start at two, he developed into a top-notch three-year-old, landing three of his seven starts last year, including the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes and Group 3 Gallinule Stakes.
Adelaide's biggest success came in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Drawn in the car park, everything looked to be against the athletic colt, but he was given a vintage ride by Ryan Moore, who brought his mount with a sweeping run around the outside of the field. He held on in the dying strides to become the first European-trained winner of the race.
Aidan on Adelaide. "He was all class,On fast ground he was a brilliant horse and I don't think we ever really got to see the best of him.
"I was very confident of having a big summer with him in Europe this year."
Adelaide was transferred to Australian trainer Chris Waller this year, but failed to fire on his only outing when eighth in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.
"It's been a pleasure to be associated with a horse of this calibre," said Waller. "He's a horse with an awesome change of pace and we've seen him do some spectacular things in his track work with us.
"It's a shame the ground went against him in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, since when he hasn't been 100 per cent."
Adelaide is the second Cox Plate winner to retire to Coolmore's Australian arm, following So You Think. He is one of two winners out of the Elnadim mare Elletelle, whose biggest success came in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot for Ger Lyons.
Coolmore Australia general manager Michael Kirwan said: "His win in the Cox Plate will live long in the memory. To my mind, it was the performance of the year."
A fee for Adelaide will be announced at a later date.
Cox Plate winner Adelaide headlines new Coolmore roster
Date
By John Holloway
Super run: Ryan Moore guides Adelaide to Cox Plate success in October. Photo: Getty Images
Coolmore Stud has included some of its supreme world-wide stallions for the southern hemisphere season, spearheaded by last year's magnificent Cox Plate winner Adelaide.
Joining Adelaide in the Hunter Valley will be the brilliant US-bred colt Verrazano, a son of the tried and tested Vinery shuttler More Than Ready. Verrazano won six starts as a three-year-old – including two group 1s – by a total of more than 46 lengths.
Wedged in between the two newcomers is the tried and tested son of Danehill, Holy Roman Emperor, which came to Coolmore's Australian farm in 2007 and is returning after several recent triumphs.
Adelaide, however, is the star addition to the roster which has Fastnet Rock, Pierro and So You Think heading the list of super stallions.
He becomes the second Cox Plate winner standing at Coolmore, joining So You Think.
"Adelaide's win in the Cox Plate was spectacular," Coolmore's Michael Kirwan said. "He beat 10 individual group 1 winners, including Criterion, Wandjina and Sacred Falls. It was the best field of horses that had been assembled all season.
"To think he did it on his first Australian start, having been drawn in the car park and forced to endure the run he did. It marked him down as a special horse. He's from a sireline that consistently produces group 1 stallions."
Holy Roman Emperor's bloodlines are impeccable and his son Mongolian Khan is the top three-year-old performer of the Australasian season after taking out both the New Zealand Derby and Australian Derby for the Murray Baker stable.
Kirwan has also enjoyed tremendous success in Hong Kong with John Moore's stayer Designs On Rome, the winner of three major staying events there during the past 15 months.
"Designs On Rome will appeal to breeders looking to use a sire with a proven track record of producing high-class racehorses," Kirwan said.
He believes Verrazano will appeal to Australian breeders after More Than Ready paved the way for him earlier by siring so many group 1 winners, including Golden Slipper winner Sebring.
"I went to Kentucky last November to inspect Verrazano with James Bester and we were blown away by his physique," Kirwan said. "He's a big, powerful horse with very good limbs and we thought he was the sort of horse that Australian breeders would love.
"He's been incredibly popular in his first US season and we at Coolmore are very excited to getting him down here."
Kirwan said the stud's ranks had suffered from an Australian viewpoint last year with the death of High Chaparral and retirement of proven sires Encosta de Lago and Spinning World,
"We are extremely excited at the bolstering of our 2015 stallion ranks who will join 2014 newcomers Camelot and Declaration of War who stood their first seasons in Australia last year with excellent support from breeders.
"Coolmore will stand 12 stallions this year and we are debating on another prospect which will be decided upon over the weekend and we're hopeful our stallion prices will be decided early next week." Kirwan said.
Poetic justice
Shuttle sire Poet's Voice, one of the most sensational looking stallions to stand in the southern hemisphere, kicked off his career on a tremendous note on Monday with a first-up winner at Pontefract in Britain.
A son of the great Dubawi, the stallion's winner was a two-year-old colt Black Magic, which led throughout for a three-length win on his debut.
The pedigree and appearance of Poet's Voice has made the Darley-owned sire an extremely popular member of its huge stallion string and served 319 mares in three seasons at his Aberdeen base.
His first crop of yearlings went to the sales this year in Australia where four sold at a $73,750 average at the Magic Millions and two yearlings at the Inglis Session 11 sold for $80,000 each.
Rock solid
Fastnet Rock, still out in front of the Australian Stallions Premiership with earnings of more than $7.8 million, registered his 75th stakes winner at Cologne in Germany on Sunday.
Three-year-old filly La Saldana won the Karin Baronin von Ullman, continuing his fine run in European tracks over the past fortnight.
His other winners were Cape Clear Island in the £200,000 Tattersalls Millions at Newmarket last Thursday and the Heritage Stakes the day before when Fascinating Rock scored for Dermot Weld.
As reported earlier in Bloodlines, Fastnet Rock is taking a year off at Coolmore's Irish base and is again its headline stallion at their Hunter Valley property.
Ante-post favourite Gleneagles tops 34 possibles for the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 2 following the latest scratching stage.
The highly-talented colt won his last five starts only to be demoted after finishing first past the post in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp in October.
His trainer Aidan O'Brien has trimmed down his entry to four with Highland Reel, Ol' Man River and War Envoy still standing after the defection of the likes of John F Kennedy after he was surprisingly beaten on his seasonal debut.
CHRISTOPHERMARLOWE handed John Gosden another win in this trial for the Investec Derby, remaining unbeaten in the process.
The colt, who was sent off at 4-6, won a conditions stakes at the track last September, and his previous course experience stood him in good stead as he handled the idiosyncracies of the Epsom downs better than runner-up Future Empire.
Bookmaker reaction to what was a solid, if unspectacular victory, was fairly muted, with BoyleSports going 16-1 (from 20), while Paddy Power offer the same price (from 33). William Hill were more circumspect, trimming Christophermarlowe to 20-1 (from 25).
Dance Of Fire was sent to the front early by David Probert, with Frankie Dettori keeping tabs on the favourite in second. Coming into the dip turning into the home straight, Dettori started to press the leader, and went to the front with three furlongs left.
Christophermarlowe kept finding enough on the run to the line for a four-length win, but the distance could have been smaller had Future Empire handled the camber better.
A long way back, Saeed Bin Suroor's runner started to eat into the leader's advantage when finding his feet, but by then the gap was insurmountable.
Gosden, who last won the trial in 2009 with Debussy, said of Christophermarlowe: "Frankie thought he really went strong and took him all the way down to the stables. A mile and a half will be his game. He likes this type of ground.
"It was a nice performance and he handled the track well enough, having been here before. We'll watch a few more trials and see where we go.
"He could go to Chester for the Vase, but it's two weeks to the day and I'm not convinced about that as he had a strong race today. Or he could come here for Breakfast With The Stars. They are the two options."
Father Frost 7 Furlong Maiden Cork 20/04/2015 Replay
O'Brien's double up with Father Frost
By Donal Murphy
Mon 20th Apr 2015, 18:39
Father Frost & Joseph O'Brien (far side) get up to beat Frozen Lake (Healy Racing Photos)
The well-regarded Father Frost got up in the nick of time to win the TicketSales Online corkracecourse.ie Maiden, providing Aidan and Joseph O'Brien with a double on the card.
The son of Rip Van Winkle cost 300,000 guineas as a yearling and he opened at 9/4 last night.
He was well-supported throughout the day and started on-course at just 11/10 before drifting out to 7/4 at the off.
Settled in fifth on the outer he improved into third two furlongs from home and soon came with his challenge.
He was ridden from over a furlong out and while he looked set for second inside the final furlong he found another gear close home, getting up to beat Frozen Lake by a head.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He has always been a nice horse and has shown a lot of speed. He can be free but settled real nice and I think six or seven furlongs is his optimum trip.
"I was conscious of not giving him too hard a race but always felt he was going to get there. He has a lot of speed and could be a horse for the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot."
The winner is entered in both the Irish 2000 Guineas and the Irish Derby.
Eisenhower 5 Furlong Cork Maiden 20/04/2015 Replay
Eisenhower gets the job done
By Donal Murphy
Mon 20th Apr 2015, 17:39
Eisenhower (green and white) is ridden out by Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
The well-backed Eisenhower justified favouritism in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, scoring under Joseph O'Brien for his father Aidan.
The winning son of War Front finished fourth on his debut at Gowran earlier this month and while he was available at 5/2 this morning he opened on-course the clear 6/4 favourite, the price he was returned.
Prominent throughout on the rail he was ridden from over a furlong out and he soon got to the front, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by three parts of a length.
Ostatnia, who was backed from 8/1 to 9/2 on-course, ran well to finish second under Billy Lee for Willie McCreery while Well Done Me was a length and a half back in third.
Araner was the even money favourite when the race was priced up last night but he opened on-course at 5/2 before drifting out further to his starting price of 3/1.
He never really looked like winning and finished a well-beaten fifth under Pat Smullen forDermot Weld.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "They've done a great job with the ground - it's nice, quick and safe.
"He has a bit of speed and the fast ground suited. Seamie (Heffernan) was happy with him (at Gowran on debut) and said afterwards to drop him back in trip on a straight track."
The winner is owned by Joseph Allen LLC and he holds an entry in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
Tough Day For The Team But it Ended on a High Note
Sandro Botticelli illustrates his ability
By Michael Graham
Sun 19th Apr 2015, 18:05
Seamie Heffernan (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan had a winner in the finale at the Curragh but it was with 11/1 newcomer Sandro Botticelli who beat stablemate and 5/4 favourite Los Barbadosi who finished third.
Time To Inspire (8/1) broke well under Pat Smullen and quickly moved to the head of affairs in this mile and a quarter maiden. Meanwhile, Sandro Botticelli was held up in sixth by Seamie Heffernan.
With two and a half to go, Sandro Botticellimade headway to chase Time To Inspire. His progress continued inside the two as he moved into third on the rail. With 200 yards left he reeled inp>Time To Inspire and forged on to score by three quarters of a length.
Aidan O'Brien said: "It's grand that he's won first time and hopefully he'll come forward. He's sleeping at home but is obviously better on the track."< Los Barbados finished fourth but was promoted to third as Aared was demoted to fourth. The stewards had called an enquiry into possible interference involving the pair and Morning mix who came in fifth.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Aared had caused interference and in doing so had improved his finishing position in relation to Los Barbados. The Stewards therefore reversed the placings of the third and fourth placed horses and took no further action.
Zoffany: son of Dansili was a top-notch juvenile for Aidan O'Brien
PICTURE: Patrick McCann/RacingPostPix.com
Well-bred Zoffany juvenile set for debut
BY BLOODSTOCK WORLD STAFF1:25PM 18 APR 2015
WASHINGTON DC went close to becoming a first winner for first-season sire Zoffany when a close second at Dundalk on Friday, but the Coolmore stallion has another live chance to get off the mark in the form of Waterloo Bridge, who runs at the Curragh on Sunday (2.20).
Like Washington DC, Waterloo Bridge is trained by Aidan O'Brien for the Coolmore partners. He was bred by Lynch Bages out of the Listed-winning Dr Fong mare Miss Childrey, who has produced three winners, headed by French Group 3 scorer Forces Of Darkness.
Waterloo Bridge was knocked down to Peter and Ross Doyle for 350,000gns at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale last year.
Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Zoffany's biggest success came in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes. The son of Dansili is standing the current season at Coolmore for a fee of €12,500.
Wesley Ward's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Hootenanny was deeply impressive when winning an extended five-furlong allowance race at Keeneland and a trip to Newmarket for the Qipco 2000 Guineas is now likely to be considered by connections.
Hootenanny wins the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf
Hootenanny broke fast, settled in second and was always prominent before shooting clear of his three opponents over a furlong out to win under a hands-and-heels Javier Castellano ride.
The colt, who runs in the colours of Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor and John Magnier, recorded a very impressive time of 1.03.80 seconds, and was not asked to do much in what was admittedly a weak event.
The Coolmore principals already own the two horses who dominate the betting in Britain's first Classic in Gleneagles and Highland Reel, but Hootenanny could well join the team.
Ward's three-year-old is already well travelled, having won the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot last June and finished second in the Prix Morny at Deauville to The Wow Signal.
A trip to Europe for an American Classic contender would not be unprecedented as Irish-born but New York-based trainer Leo O'Brien sent over Fourstars Allstar to win the Irish 2000 Guineas in 1991, when he beat Star of Gdansk by a head under US jockey Mike Smith.
Due Diligence can get big year off to flying start
The one that appeals as being the best horse in the race is Due Diligence. Aidan O'Brien's American import progressed steadily during his first season at Ballydoyle last term, atoning for a defeat on his debut at this trip to twice win over six at Naas, latterly with a touch of style in Listed company.
On his only subsequent start, Due Diligence ran a blinder in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, flashing home late to be second to last season's top sprinter Slade Power.
Replicates
If he replicates anything like that standard of Group One form now that he steps back up to seven, he really ought to take a bit of stopping under Joseph O'Brien on his reappearance for what could be a big season for him.
The father-and-son combination also get the nod to land the day's nap vote with Los Barbados in the 10-furlong maiden that brings they day's proceedings to a close.
Fluff is clear under Seamie Heffernan (Healy Racing Photos)
Fluff appears one of Ballydoyle's quirky named individuals whose name may be remembered for some time, as the filly created a very favourable impression to win the E20 Family Ticket For May 17th Family Day Fillies Maiden on debut at Navan today.
Ridden by Seamie Heffernan, the daughter of Galileo brushed aside minor matters of a wide draw in ten and 15 other mostly more experienced rivals before sprinting clear inside the final furlong for an easy win over Natural Woman.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien wasn't present but Heffernan later stated "Joseph (O'Brien) said she'd be hard to beat if she wasn't green. The odd one of ours is green but she wasn't.
"She has a great pedigree and couldn't have won any easier - it was easy."
CRACK Irish sprinter Due Diligence is set to make his reappearance in the Group 3 Big Bad Bob Gladness Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt, last seen when finishing second to Slade Power in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in June, is ante-post favourite for next month’s Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes at the Dante meeting and will face a maximum of ten rivals on Sunday.
The four-year-old won twice over six furlongs at Naas before his fine run at Royal Ascot when partnered by Ryan Moore, and steps up to seven furlongs in what will be his fourth turf start for Ballydoyle.
In opposition will be stablemate Smuggler’s Cove, the Dermot Weld-trained Alkasser, and last year’s winner Sruthan, while Britain is well represented with three entries, including Charlie Hills’s Cable Bay.
David O’Meara, who saddled last year’s runner-up Custom Cut, sends That Is The Spirit, while David Nicholls has his first runner in Ireland since 2013 in the form of race-fit six-year-old Sovereign Debt, who has been a revelation on the All-Weather this winter and was an unlucky second over a mile on Finals Day.
The trainer said: “He’s come out of Lingfield well and with the ground drying over we’ll go over and take our chance.”
Chookie Royale, who had been a 20-1 chance for the Duke Of York Stakes, has been taken out of the Group 2 race by trainer Keith Dalgleish.
Ballydoyle colt to strike after progressing well in juvenile ranks
Richard Hannon dips another 2,000 Guineas prospect when Ivawood contests Newbury's Greenham Stakes.
Hannon had a leading Newmarket fancy beaten when Moheet finished a never-dangerous third in Thursday's Craven Stakes, yet he still won the race with Kool Kompany. Ivawood has preceded both in the ante-post markets for the season's opening Classic for some time. The Zebedee colt looked really precocious last term, scooting up in his first three starts, including in a pair of Group Twos.
When he stepped up to Group One company for the Middle Park, he failed to cope well enough with slower ground, eventually just denied by Charming Thought, with Capella Sansevero nearly two lengths back in fourth and Kool Kompany another length behind him.
Aidan O'Brien's The Warrior, which won at the Curragh in March before being held in third at Newmarket on Wednesday, was a half-length behind him. There is no doubt that is decent form, but the worry is that Ivawood was such a ball of a two-year-old that it's hard to know how well he will train on.
Moreover, that he didn't find as much as you might have expected him to in his only serious test is a concern, notwithstanding that the ground might have been slow enough for him.
At odds of around 6/4 today, Richard Hughes' mount isn't hard to oppose in what is an open Group Three. Stablemate Estidhkaar and his fellow Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Fannaan couldn't be discounted, nor could Roger Varian's Dewhurst winner Belardo.
All things considered, though, odds of up to 10/1 seem too big to ignore about O'Brien's Dick Whittington. A seemingly unconsidered 33/1 shot for the Guineas, this Rip Van Winkle colt might not be ranked among the elite of Ballydoyle's blue-chip team, but he is a pretty smart animal.
While Capella Sansevero and Intense Style denied him on his first two outings, he progressed to win three of his next four starts, the defeat coming when he was third over seven furlongs in the Chesham at Royal Ascot, having led too early.
He is a horse that likes something to aim at, and his final win in the Group One Phoenix Stakes showed that he was really getting the hang of his job. On soft ground, he got on top inside the final furlong to win going away from Kool Kompany and Capella Sansevero.
Dick Whittington returns to seven furlongs now, but the trip isn't expected to be a problem.
Indeed, it may suit once he is ridden to pounce late, and Ryan Moore can be trusted to do that. Crucially, O'Brien's runners have stepped up a notch this week, and he has a vital line on Ivawood through The Warrior. Given the odds about Dick Whittington, maybe the market has yet to acknowledge that the Ballydoyle horses are turning a corner.
Joseph Allen has enjoyed success with his former runner now stallion War Front. Coolmore has realized this and gone after alot of his progeny. Since Declaration Of War, Lines of Battle & War Command all raced in partnership with Coolmore, they have joined in on another exciting prospect.
2013 BC War Front x Louve Des Reves by Sadler's Wells named Omar Bradley
Owned by Joseph Allen, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith.
Michael Tabor, who had claimed a healthy payout earlier in the day Cape Clear Island triumphed in the £200,000 Tattersalls Millions 3YO Trophy at Newmarket, re-invested that money and more when involved in the purchase of a colt by War Front at the Tattersalls Breeze-up sales on Thursday evening.
The colt sold for 850,000 guineas – the second-highest price at a European breeze up sale - on an evening that was the highest grossing session in Britain the breeze-ups began.
A total of 55 lots were sold for a total of 6,589,500 guineas, at an average of 119,809 guineas and a median of 80,000 guineas with the clearance rate 86%.
The son of War Front had been consigned by Willie Browne’s Mocklershill operation. A half-brother to Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes winner Mani Bhavan, he was knocked down to Alex Elliot at 850,000 guineas. The China Horse Club’s Michael Wallace and Tony Nerses both made strong bids to secure the colt, but neither could better Elliot who bought the horse with Jamie McCalmont on behalf of Michael Tabor.
"His purchase is self-explanatory," said Elliot. "He has a stallion's page and he did a great breeze. I was in the US when The Factor was running - and this horse is the closest I have seen to him.
"He was a $400,000 purchase by Mocklershill [as a yearling last September] - it was a big bet and it has paid off for them."
Cape Clear Island (left) seen here winning at Fairyhouse under Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Ryan Moore was seen at his strongest in steering Cape Clear Island to a battling success in the £200,000 Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-0 Trophy at Newmarket.
Held up at the rear of the field early on by the three-times champion jockey, the 14-1 shot joined the battle for the mile-and-a-quarter race late in the day.
Long-time leader and favourite Rocky Rider looked to have fought off the bulk of his rivals from the front, but the Aidan O'Brien-trained winner and eventual runner-up Greatest Journey forged ahead inside the final furlong.
Cape Clear Island continued to respond to pressure to get the better of Greatest Journey by a neck, with Rocky Rider a further head away in third.
Co-owner Michael Tabor said: "I think the price tells you it was a surprise. He is a nice horse and hopefully he will improve on that. "
I don't know if he is up for going for the Dante or to Chester, as I don't know if he is good enough. It is hard to say how good that race was."
Joseph O'Brien straightens up The Happy Prince to beat Gussy Goose and Mutadhamen (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien followed up on his first win of the Flat season, aboard Hans Holbein at Leopardstown yesterday, when getting the wayward The Happy Prince (4/9) home by a length and a quarter in the National Student Raceday Maiden at Limerick.
The Rip Van Winkle colt, fifth on his debut in a big field at the Curragh back in October, took over here a furlong and a half out.
However he gave a pretty severe swerve left, under a furlong out, to supply front-runner Gussy Goose with another chance.
Any doubts about the destination of the prize quickly disappeared though, with O'Brien getting his mount back on an even keel before going on to triumph by a length and a quarter.
"He's a nice horse who had a nice run last year. He has plenty speed and when I gave him a crack he had a little look and is still quite green," said O'Brien of his father Aidan's charge.
"I was never worried though and he had plenty in hand."
Joseph O'Brien rides first Flat winner of the season at
Leopardstown
Updated: Wednesday, 15 Apr 2015 20:24 |
Joseph O'Brien insisted his weight "isn't too bad" as he returned to the winner's enclosure on the Flat for the first time this season.
O'Brien missed the start of the Irish turf campaign at the Curragh and rode over hurdles, and recently his father Aidan has spoken of Ryan Moore taking more of the rides on the big guns at Ballydoyle this term.
But O'Brien junior is still involved and was at Leopardstown on Wednesday, where he drove 3-1 chance Hans Holbein - a horse he partnered at Cork recently - to a two-and-three-quarter-length victory from the odds-on Valac in the Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Summer Racedays Maiden.
O'Brien said: "It's nice to get one.
"He relaxed well and got an easy lead. He seems to handle a little give in the ground and I think he can step up in trip.
"He improved plenty from Cork and hopefully he can progress again. There was plenty of chat beforehand about the other horse and I was expecting him to come at me.
"Our horses always improve from their first run."
Reflecting on his weight situation, he told At The Races: "My weight isn't too bad, I'm doing 9st 5lb no problem and a little bit lighter when the season kicks in.
"It (weight) has not been too much dissimilar to previous years, we have Ryan on board now this year which is great and takes a bit of pressure off me in so far as my weight. It's not too bad now, so we're looking forward to the season getting going.
"I was always in touch with Ryan a lot, we get on very well and discuss all the horses. I'm really looking forward to the year.
"If there is a 9st or a 9st 3lb towards the (end of the) year I think I really should do I'll do it, I'll play it by ear a little bit."
O'Brien has had a couple of falls in his handful of outings over timber but said that came with the territory, although he reiterated he had no plans to become an increasingly prominent figure on the jumping scene in the immediate future.
He said: "That (falls) is part and and parcel of it and I'll have a couple more spins in the next couple of weeks or so. I'm happy enough with the way we are at the moment.
"We've a couple that might go to Punchestown and through the summer, it's something I really enjoy. I did a lot of eventing when I was younger and loved every minute of it.
"As far as taking it up on a full-time basis, I wouldn't be so sure. I'm quite happy to keep going the way we are going at the minute."
Hans Holbein gave O'Brien his 1st winner of new season.
O'Brien back in business on Holbein
By Gary Carson
Wed 15th Apr 2015, 17:45
Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien got back to winning ways on the Flat when partnering Hans Holbein to success, for his father Aidan, in the Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Summer Racedays 2015 Maiden.
The Montjeu colt jumped out in front in the ten furlong contest and galloped on strongly in the closing stages to score by two-and-three-quarter lengths.
The Dermot Weld-trained newcomer Valac was sent off the 8/11 favourite but couldn't pick up the eventual winner in the straight, eventually finishing runner-up.< Hans Holbein had been turned over at a short price himself earlier in the month when second on his return to action at Cork.
"It's nice to get one," said the winning rider afterwards.
"He relaxed well and got an easy lead. He seems to handle a little give in the ground and I think he can step up in trip.
"He improved plenty from Cork and hopefully he can progress again. There was plenty of chat beforehand about the other horse and I was expecting him to come at me.
Joseph O'Brien "Having Ryan on board takes the pressure off me we get on very well and talk about the horses all the time, we have some nice horses to look forward to Highland Reel Gleneagles Giovanni Canaletto Sir Isaac Newton Ol'man River. I can do 9st5 now no problem and if required later in the season i can get down to about 9st3"
Eighth at Epsom before flopping in the Irish equivalent, Fascinating Rock may be the one to be on. However, the drop back to a mile is a concern, as he hasn't run over the trip since getting beaten on his track bow two years ago. Cougar Mountain, which is going in the other direction on the back of a promising sprint campaign as a three-year-old last year, appeals as an alternative.
Aidan O'Brien's son of Fastnet Rock ran promisingly in the July Cup and the Nunthorpe, his only prior outing having come in the Naas maiden that he won in June.
While Cougar Mountain didn't build on those runs in the Sprint Cup at Haydock, he has the scope to do really well this term, so a chance is taken on him carrying Joseph O'Brien to victory.
Sunday's Group Three Big Bad Bob Gladness Stakes at the Curragh has attracted a strong entry of 19 runners and the race may well include the Aidan O'Brien trained Dick Whittington who was a Group One winner at the Curragh last season when winning the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes in good style from Richard Hannon's Kool Kompany.
O'Brien is responsible for four of the 19-entries left in the race on Tuesday afternoon which also features last year's winner Sruthan, Sabrina Harty's Ansgar, and British trained runners Cable Bay, Sovereign Debt and That Is The Spirit.
Sruthan will attempt to win the race for a second year in a row according to his trainer Paul Deegan; "It was always the plan to start him back off in the Gladness Stakes and he did a little piece of work Tuesday morning and went brilliant so I'm delighted with him and he looks like he has improved over the winter so I couldn't be happier with him."
The Dandy Nicholls trained Sovereign Debt was a shade unlucky when only going down by a neck in the Ladbrokes Mile in the All-Weather Championships final at Lingfield on Good Friday and the six-year-old is likely to take his chance if the Curragh if the ground continues to dry out according to Nicholls.
Yorkshire Oaks winner Tapestry is another leading name that could be on show at the Curragh on Sunday when the daughter of Galileo gets her season underway in the Alleged Stakes over 10-furlongs.
The Aidan O'Brien trained four-year-old is one of 13 in the listed contest which also features the recent Cork winner Massinga who will bid to continue the brilliant run of form for Dermot Weld, while Jim Bolger's Parish Hall is also among the possible runners and the Irish Lincolnshire runner-up Aussie Valentine is an intended runner according to Paul Deegan following the horses win at Leopardstown last weekend.
The Clongowes Wood College Bicentenary Handicap has attracted 14 entries, while the Dermot Weld trained Good Tradition heads the entries in the Cunninghams of Kildare Handicap
Racing on Sunday gets underway at 2.20pm with a two-year-old maiden that is likely to see some very interesting newcomers line up and racecourse manager Paul Hensey is hopeful that ground conditions will improve ahead of the tracks second meeting of the season.
Hensey said; "We had 15.6mm of rain over the weekend here at the Curragh so the ground is now soft to heavy on the straight course and soft on the round. There is to be little or no rain this week and the temperature is to pick up as the week goes on so I would expect some improvement in the ground every day as the week goes on."
Admission 15 euro, Under 25s & Seniors 8 euro, Under 16s free. Free car parking. Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle to racecourse, Dublin Coach provide race day service (see dublincoach.ie)
Tickets and Dining packages available on www.curragh.ie
War Envoy seen here winning at Naas (Healy Racing Photos)
War Envoy, second when favourite on his reappearance at Dundalk, bids to get back on track in the Novae Bloodstock Insurance Craven Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, whose only success to date came on his racecourse debut 12 months ago, is among a field of seven for the Group Three over the Rowley Mile
Despite his lack of success, War Envoy ran some splendid races in defeat, notably when third to Kool Kompany in the Railway Stakes at the Curragh and second to Estidhkaar in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.
Kool Kompany reopposes and is one of two runners from the Richard Hannon stable along with Moheet, who won his only start in good style at Salisbury.
Barry Hills runs Nafaqa, who was runner-up to Elm Park in the Royal Lodge Stakes, while Charlie Hills saddles Champagne Stakes third Aces.
The former O'Brien inmate Hail The Hero, who was impressive on his first run for the David O'Meara team at Doncaster, takes his chance while Luca Cumani's White Lake completes the septet.
Cougar Mountain runs in the Heritage Stakes tomorrow At Leopardstown Father Christmasand Shark Island Run in The mile Maiden & Hans Holbein in 1m2f. Maiden
Sir Isaac Newton has been scratched from his maiden on the same card & Could Run At Newmarket on Thursday TBC.
War Envoy will run in The Craven Stakes on Thursday Ryan Moore is Booked to ride. The 3 year old son of War Front makes his second start of the season. He looked a bit ring rusty when defeated by Convergence at Dundalk on 1st April in The Patton Stakes (Listed). War Envoy's best form came when 2nd in The Champagne Stakes at Doncaster behind Estidhkaar and his 5th Place behind Gleneagles (Full Mast) in the Prix Jean Lagaderre.
War Envoy faces 6 rivals which includes Kool Kompany, Aces, Hail The Hero & Nafaqa in Thursday's Craven Stakes at Newmarket.
John F Kennedy drifts in Derby betting after Leopardstown Defeat
John F Kennedy lost his place as favourite for the Investec Derby after finishing a well-beaten last of three on his seasonal debut at Leopardstown.
The result prompted a major shake-up in the betting for Epsom Classic, with the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt being replaced as market leader by his stablemate Ol’ Man River, which was promoted to head of the market at 6/1.
John F Kennedy was eased out to 7/1 from 7/2 after finishing last of three behind race-fit Success Days (10/1) in the PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes.
Shane Foley ensured a true test by setting a solid pace on the Ken Condon-trained colt.
The writing was on the wall early in the straight as Success Days kicked clear to win unopposed by four-and-a-half lengths from Zafilani, with 1/4 shot John F Kennedy and Ryan Moore a further six lengths away.
“We said we’d make use of him as he had the run under his belt and possibly had the edge in fitness,” said Condon.
“The other two were always going to want a lead and it worked out great. I’m delighted.
“He’s in the Irish Guineas, but has no other fancy entries. I think the Irish Derby is later closing now and that’s something we could look at. I’m sure the favourite will do great things in the summer, but this was our day.”
The Warrior is set to run in the £100,000 Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-O Sprint on Wednesday at Newmarket. Ryan Moore has been booked to ride the son of Exceed And Excel. The Warrior Made a winning reappearance this season breaking his maiden at the Curragh on the opening day of the season.
P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes (Group 3) 3yo, 1m2f
DERBY favourite John F Kennedy crashed to a shocking last-place defeat at Leopardstown as an inspired Shane Foley guided outsiderSuccess Days to victory.
Racing Post tipster Tom Segal recommended the winner, who returned at 10-1, in his column in Sunday's newspaper.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained favourite, making his first start of the season, was a shadow of the horse who ran out a dominant winner of a Group 3 at the same track in September of last year but that should not detract from the brilliant front-running ride Foley gave the winner.John F Kennedy, sent off at 1-4 favourite, never got close to the leader and was promptly pushed out to as big as 10-1 (from 4s) for the Investec Derby.
He ensured the race was run at a pell-mell pace and kicked for home turning for home, stretching several lengths clear of the chasing pair.
Ryan Moore, riding John F Kennedy, tried to close on the leader but he could make no impression and, after being passed by Zafilani, did not persevere with the chase.
O'Brien said: "We weren't expecting that to happen and it was disappointing. The ground was very soft and Ryan said the horse felt bad on it. He's really a fast ground horse. I thought he was fit enough but maybe he wasn't.
"We'll take him home and see how he comes out of the race before making plans. First time out last year he didn't concentrate before winning his next two races."
With John F Kennedy pushed out to between 6-1 and 10-1, most firms now make stablemate Ol' Man River the Derby favourite at a general 6-1 (best price 8-1).
Ken Condon, trainer of Success Days, said: "Most male horses I have are gelded but this fellow has always had a good temperament and a great attitude. He relishes that sort of ground and had a fitness edge over the other two runners.
"He's in the Irish Guineas and we'll consider running him. He could be put in the Irish Derby. He was 25-1 when he won his maiden last year and he keeps giving us nice surprises."
The PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes was supposed to be all about John F Kennedy but the 1/4 favourite was usurped by 10/1 outsider Success Days.
Success Days was a surprise winner
The Aidan O'Brien trained colt was a general 4/1 chance for Epsom glory in June but was pushed out to 9/1 for the Investec Derby by Sky Bet following his shock reverse on his seasonal reappearance.
Shane Foley ensured a true test by setting a solid pace on the Ken Condon-trained colt, with John F Kennedy settled in second place by Ryan Moore and Zafilani bringing up the rear.Success Days, a winner at Cork eight days earlier, put his fitness to full use as he made all the running to take the Group Three contest over a mile and a quarter.
However, the writing was on the wall early in the straight as Success Days kicked clear to win unopposed, despite hanging left towards the rail. Zafilani claimed the runner-up spot, as John F Kennedy tired in the closing stages.
Condon said: "He has a very level temperament and a very good attitude. He won on his second start at 25/1 and it was a little unexpected. He keeps giving us nice surprises.
"He doesn't show a lot in the mornings at home, but obviously relishes those (testing) conditions. We said we'd make use of him as he had the run under his belt and possibly had the edge in fitness.
"The other two were always going to want a lead and it worked out great. I'm delighted."
Former Ballydoyle Resident NEVIS who won the Lingfield Derby Trial for Aidan O'Brien in 2012 Broke his duck in Australia at the 3rd attempt. Nevis a 5YO son of Dansili stayed on Strongly to capture the Moet De Chandon Handicap. Link To Replay Below
On a big day of trials at Leopardstown, most eyes will be focused on current Derby favourite John F Kennedy as he starts on his journey to Epsom in the PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes.
The presence of Aidan O'Brien's colt, who landed a Group Three at this track on his final start as a juvenile, appears to have scared off the opposition, with only Ken Condon's Cork winner Success Days and Dermot Weld's Zafilani taking on the hugely promising son of Galileo.
O'Brien has only won the Ballysax once in the last five years but that is unlikely to deter the supporters of John F Kennedy, while the master of Ballydoyle has a much better recent record in the other Group Three on the card, the Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes.
With three wins in the last four years, O'Brien is saddling Qualify and Toogoodtobetrue in a bid to augment that record, but they face stiff challenges all around, most notably in Weld's Stormfly.
Although behind Qualify at the end of last season, the Dark Angel filly has the benefit of a recent run on her side having struck at the Curragh.
Weld also saddles the once-raced Zawraq in the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes, where he faces O'Brien's Jamaica and a trio of runners from the Godolphin operation.
Jim Bolger saddles dual winner Parish Boy as well as Mesmerism, but perhaps of greater interest is Portage, who chased home a smart sort of O'Brien's on his debut before scoring on his final start of the season at the Curragh.
O'Brien and Weld lock horns in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden, with Weld's Zannda taking on Belong and Wedding Vow from the O'Brien battalions.
Weld also saddles Zafayan in the Leopardstown Club 25 Membership Handicap and Sierra Sun in the Racecourse Of The Year Handicap, while the Follow Leopardstown On Facebook Handicap could be between Oor Jock and Abushamah.
King Of Aragon pictured below (Far Right Navy Blue) was 2nd at Gowran Park he ran very green it was a promising performance. Earlier Eisenhower Made his racecourse debut and again ran incredibly green but looked a run full of promise I Look forward to seeing the son Of War Front on better ground he finished 4th of the 16 runners but traveled very strongly alot more to come from him.
Adelaide finished in 8th spot in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Randwick this morning.
The son of Galileo was held up at the back on the rail early on and was trapped in for a while his Jockey Ryan Moore sent him to the outside to make his challenge but did not pick up.
The heavy ground certainly blunted his electric turn of foot, His best work came late on but was unable to land a blow.
Coolmore voiced their concerns before the race Tom Magnier tweeting O'night rain means the ground won't suit Adelaide, but to support @ChampionshipsRR the owners have decided to run in the Queen Elizabeth.
Hopefully Adelaide will now make his way home and be readied for the Tattersalls Gold Cup In May & The Prince of Wales at Royal Ascot in June & Possibly returns to USA & Australia in the Autumn.
King Of Aragon can step up to break O'Brien's duck for season
King Of Aragon is napped to belatedly get Joseph O’Brien off the mark for the new campaign at Gowran Park this afternoon
King Of Aragon is napped to belatedly get Joseph O'Brien off the mark for the new campaign at Gowran Park this afternoon.
The son of Montjeu is a full brother to last year's Grand Prix de Paris hero Gallante. On his sole outing as a juvenile, he had a sighter at Navan in October, starting a little sluggishly over a mile before keeping on at one pace to be beaten 10 lengths.
If that's as good as King Of Aragon is, he might not be up to much, but more is expected of him now that he steps up to a mile-and-a-half in today's maiden.
Jim Bolger's Deontas, Ger Lyons' Azzuri and Dermot Weld's Edelpour are among those in opposition with potential, but King Of Aragon is bred to be smart, so he is trusted to shape with more menace than he did in the autumn.
The real treat for those making the journey to the Kilkenny venue will be the opportunity to witness Weld's Cheltenham hero Windsor Park on duty in the concluding conditions race over a mile and six furlongs.
In two previous starts on the level last autumn, the former Coolmore-owned Galileo six-year-old hacked up in a 12-furlong maiden here and trounced the opposition in a similar event to this at Galway.
Amazingly, it took Windsor Park four goes to win a bumper, but he has clearly matured into a serious animal.
The likes of Domination, Shu Lewis and Dark Crusader have it within their lockers to give him a race, but the suspicion is that Pat Smullen's mount will win as he likes.
The same in-form duo might also have a big say in the earlier maidens with Joailliere and Serefeli, while Cape Wolfe is fancied to deliver Lyons his first win of the year on turf.
Top-weighted in the seven-furlong handicap, Cape Wolfe ran well on unsuitably deep ground at the Curragh last month.
He is a pound lower here and drops considerably in class, so he should have a big say under Colin Keane on ground that is forecast to ride no worse than yielding.
Last year's excellent champion apprentice Keane might also help Pat Flynn break his duck for the campaign when he partners Knights Templar in the extended nine-furlong handicap.
This 17-runner contest is wide-open, but Knights Templar has plummeted to a mark of 57, having last won off 66 in 2013.
He wasn't helped by soft ground towards the end of last year, so he will be much happier back on a sounder surface and he is drawn nicely in stall three.
On its handicap bow, Whippers Dream may be among the threats.
Moore can rule on Kennedy in Leopardstown Derby trial
Aidan O'Brien confirmed this week that Ryan Moore will partner most of his big-race prospects in 2015 and tomorrow's PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes hotpot John F Kennedy fits firmly into that bracket.
Moore is expected to stop short of relocating to Ireland on a full-time basis, but he has long been courted by O'Brien. While O'Brien didn't go so far as to refer to him as his stable jockey, it was inevitable that there would be a formalisation of his link with Ballydoyle sooner or later.
Of course, the development means that Joseph O'Brien, whose opinion is so valued by his father at home, is likely to be reduced to a bit-part player on the track for the remainder of his days on the Flat. The 21-year-old dual champion's towering frame rendered his weight a major issue in some marquee Group Ones in 2014, so he has been on borrowed time.
O'Brien is likely to continue to ride as one of Moore's deputies alongside Seamie Heffernan and Colm O'Donoghue when his weight permits. Time will tell if he gets the chance to add to his haul of 28 Group Ones, a massive tally amassed in a four-year period that only Mick Kinane and Johnny Murtagh can top in their time as his father's respective first-choice riders.
Having ridden two of the elite firm's unprecedented three successive Derby winners, O'Brien will miss the opportunity to partner John F Kennedy more than anything else. The clear ante-post favourite to make it four in a row at Epsom for the exceptional Rosegreen operation, the Galileo colt is out of the stable's dual Group One-winning juvenile Rumplestiltskin.
He ran a little green when second to Hall Of Fame on his Leopardstown debut last July, but he progressed to hack up at the Curragh a couple of weeks later before then making short work of Group Three opposition back at Leopardstown in September.
Each of those starts came over a mile so tomorrow's 10-furlong trip is unknown territory, though that shouldn't be an issue. John F Kennedy faces just two rivals, and, while Ken Condon's Cork winner Success Days will be fit and Dermot Weld's Zafilani has potential, anything other than a smooth reappearance victory will constitute a major surprise.
ONCE-RACED
Moore also gets the nod to take the 1,000 Guineas trial aboard Qualify. This is an open 10-runner Group Three and it might well prove to be a Classic trial in name only, with all bar Michael O'Callaghan's once-raced Roscommon maiden winner Military Angel having run three times or more.
Qualify wasn't spared as a juvenile, scoring twice in seven starts and not disgraced when eighth in Grade One company at the Breeders' Cup. Prior to that, she ran out a stylish winner of a Curragh Group Three, having not been beaten far in the Moyglare Stud Stakes.
If she runs to a similar level now, she might be the one to beat. In the colts' equivalent, Jamaica flies the flag for Ballydoyle, but Dermot Weld's Zawraq is preferred in the Listed event.
In his sole outing last year, Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shamardal colt made virtually all en route to denying Coolmore's highly regarded Sir Isaac Newton. Zawraq only won by a half-length in the end but he won a little more snugly than the margin of victory suggests, so he is trusted to continue Weld and Pat Smullen's flying start to the season now.
The same duo get the nod to land the nap vote with the Aga Khan's Zannda in the opening fillies' maiden. It doesn't look to be the hottest three-year-olds' affair, and this daughter of Azamour very nearly won on her track bow here in October, when she failed by just a short-head to collar Off Limits, which ran well to be third behind Success Days at Cork. If Zannda has learned from that experience, she ought to take a bit of beating in this. Later on, Paul Deegan's Aussie Valentine will go close in the nine-furlong handicap. Chris Hayes' mount was a fine second to Onenightidreamed in the Irish Lincoln, a piece of form that stands out here.
Tony Martin has some useful-looking runners including Cassells Rock in the 12-furlong handicap, while his Lip Service has plenty appeal at Tramore in what is a pretty decent bumper for the seaside venue.
The Presenting gelding was a shade unlucky not to get up at the third time of asking in Downpatrick.
Ryan Moore's flying mission for Adelaide in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Looking for moore: Ryan Moore rides Adelaide to victory in the Cox Plate. Photo: Darrian Traynor
It will be Sydney Saturday, Dublin Sunday, for Coolmore jockey Ryan Moore this weekend.
Moore will ride Adelaide in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, which had the market thrown into turmoil when favourite Contributer was scratched after being lame in the off fore leg on Friday, before partnering English Derby hope John F Kennedy in Ireland.
It meant Adelaide vaulted to third favouritism to complete the double by winning both the weight-for-age championships in Melbourne and Sydney.
"Contributer has been on the drift all week which was not unusual given his wide draw, but there was still enough money to suggest he would have run well," TAB's Glenn Munsie said.
"Now that he is out there is every chance Criterion will start favourite - particularly if the track is wet - because of the unknown factor of the Japanese horses on it and Adelaide's dislike for it."
The nature of international racing will mean Moore will ride at the second day of The Championships without missing any key rides in Europe.
"It is something we do all the time. It's not a big deal," Moore said about the travel.
The champion hoop was this week named as Coolmore's main rider in Europe by Aidan O'Brien for the upcoming season. His first rides for the global force will be in Sydney when he takes the reins once again on Cox Plate winner Adelaide and Ballet Suite in the Australian Oaks at Randwick.
He was also scheduled to ride Lake Geneva in the Percy Sykes Stakes but with the travel he could not make the 54 kilograms for that ride with Tommy Berry to wear the navy blue silks there.
Moore is considered the best rider in Europe and his ride on Adelaide in the Cox Plate, where he rolled around the field from the 1200 metre mark illustrated to Australian punters his superb judgement of pace and talent. It makes his engagement in the Queen Elizabeth a key pointer to Adelaide's chances.
"I have ridden Adelaide before and he is very good but he faces a task," Moore said. "I don't know much about Ballet Suite but her lead-up runs look good and she should run a good race."
Moore will head straight to the airport for the 24-hour flight and be back in Dublin to ride Coolmore's John F Kennedy in the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday.
He has already lifted two of Australia's biggest races and the betting is pointing towards Moore having some extra luggage on his trip home.
The warming Sydney weather will have the track getting towards being a good surface for the second day of The Championships and premier trainer Chris Waller confirmed the Galileo four-year-old will run on the firming track. Adelaide has come in from $9 to $7.50 at Sportsbet in the past couple of days.
"As the track dried out, the money has come for Adelaide," Sportsbet's Joel Caine said. "He has been the best-backed [runner] with us by a space, while Criterion had plenty of support and is into $3.75 and might even start favourite.
"The favourites were holding their place in the market even before Contributer came out and now To The World is now top pick at $3.40."
Ballet Suite has also been well supported in the Australian Oaks alongside New Zealand Oaks winner Savaria.
"They hold half the money in the Oaks. There is real draw towards the Ryan Moore rides because punters realised he is a top-class jockey, just look at his rides in the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup," Caine said.
Adelaide is likely to return to Europe after the Queen Elizabeth Stakes but Criterion is also on trial for a trip that could possibly end at Royal Ascot.
"I think his last two runs have been the prefect preparation. His effort in the Canterbury Stakes [when third to Cosmic Endeavour over 1300m] was excellent considering it was too short," trainer David Hayes said.
"He only just missed in the George Ryder [when photo finished by Real Impact], I have the upmost respect for the opposition on Saturday but I think he is going very well.
"If he runs as we expect [on Saturday], he will be on a plane early next week for the Queen Elizabeth Cup in Hong Kong and then there are a couple of races at Royal Ascot for him as long as he performs well."
John F Kennedy winning at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Investec Derby favourite John F Kennedy will face only two rivals on his comeback in the PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday.
As low as 7-2 in places for the Epsom Classic, the regally bred colt signed off last season with an easy win in a Group Three.
A son of Galileo and the Group One-winning mare Rumplestiltskin, he has family honour to uphold as his sister Tapestry landed the Yorkshire Oaks last season.
Galileo claimed this Group Three in 2001 before going on to glory at Epsom.
Aidan O'Brien has also been on the mark in the mile-and-a-quarter Ballysax with the likes of High Chaparral, Yeats and Fame And Glory.
John F Kennedy will be ridden by Ryan Moore, who is expected to take up a more prominent role at Ballydoyle this season.
O'Brien's son, Joseph, who has ridden countless Group One winners for the yard in recent years, is struggling with his weight and has been in action over hurdles in recent weeks.
Due to his ongoing battle with the scales, O'Brien jnr's options on the Flat are limited, but he will still ride on the level when his weight allows.
John F Kennedy's presence in the Ballysax has not frightened off Dermot Weld as he saddles Zafilani, third in a Listed race last October.
Weld won the race 12 months ago with the useful Fascinating Rock.
The third runner is Ken Condon's Success Days, a winner at Cork last weekend.
On Thursday night, the strong link between Ballydoyle/Coolmore and Ryan Moore got even stronger as Aidan O'Brien confirmed that Moore will be the stable jockey for the Ballydoyle operation this season.
Speaking at Tipperary Racecourse this afternoon, where Ballydoyle had one winner with Diamondsandrubies in the 5:45 maiden, O'Brien said: "Ryan will be riding our main horses this year and Joseph (O'Brien) will be riding other horses when the weights allow him to. Seamie Heffernan and Colm O'Donoghue will also be involved as in the past."
O'Brien also added: "I'd imagine that if he wants to, Joseph will continue to ride over hurdles."
Weight problems have caused a lot of problems for the six-foot 21 year-old O'Brien, and the former dual Champion Jockey missed the opening day of the flat season at the Curragh to ride for his father and J P McManus at Limerick.
He finally made his long-awaited return to the flat last weekend at Cork, where he was out of luck in two rides, riding at 9st5, and he was in action again over hurdles at Fairyhouse on Sunday and Tuesday.
Moore will partner Adelaide in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes this Saturday down under, but will be back on Sunday afternoon at Leopardstown, where his booked mounts are expected to include Epsom Derby favourite, John F Kennedy.
Moore already boasts an incredible record when riding for Aidan O'Brien, and has enjoyed several Group 1 wins, including Ruler Of The World (Epsom Derby) and the 1000 Guineas in 2012 aboard Homecoming Queen.
We at aidanobrienfansite wish Ryan the very best of luck in his new role at Ballydoyle.
(By Kingsbarns - Journalist for www.aidanobrienfansite.com)
Diamondsandrubies and Seamie Heffernan account for Chinese Light and Pat Smullen (Healy Racing Photos)
Dermot Weld's lightning start to the season was expected to continue with 4/7 chance, Chinese Light, in the Book Online At TipperaryRaces.ie Fillies Maiden, but Aidan O'Brienput a spanner in the works with the Seamie Heffernan-ridden Diamondsandrubies (6/1).
The victorious Fastnet Rock filly dwelt but she was soon tracking the pace that was set by Chinese Light.
Pat Smullen tried to fend them off, on the latter, but she was headed byDiamondsandrubies over a furlong out. The Ballydoyle representative went on to score by two and a quarter lengths.
"She did it nice and is a well bred filly," said O'Brien.
"She will have no problem stepping up in trip, her dam got a mile and a half, and she might go for a mile and a quarter Listed race at Navan next. She seemed to handle that ground but I was worried about it for her." (TW & EM)
Investec Derby favourite John F Kennedy is set to make his seasonal reappearance in the PW McGrath Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday.
Winner of his final two starts as a juvenile, the Galileo colt is one of six entries for Aidan O'Brien in the 10-furlong Group Three event, a traditional pointer towards Epsom in June.
Others for Ballydoyle include Racing Post Trophy runner-up Aloft and promising types such as Giovanni Canaletto and Archangel Raphael.
Jim Bolger is represented at this stage by the Godolphin-owned Listed winner Parish Boy and the maiden Morning Mix, while Dermot Weld can call on recent Curragh winner Ashraf and Zafilani.
The only other trainer with a possible runner is Ken Condon, whose Success Days got his head in front at Cork on Saturday.
– The field, barrier draw and early betting picture
Sydney’s richest race – the $4 million Group I Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) – has attracted a field 13 runners and the barriers have been allocated.
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes headlines Saturday’s second day of The Championships at Randwick.
This autumn’s weight-for-age star Contributer is in the field as is Cox Plate hero Adelaide, who is set to have his first start for Chris Waller. Ed Dunlop’s popular UK galloper Red Cadeaux was the surprise acceptor in the race.
Japan will be represented with two runners – To The World and Tosen Stardom.
The field and barrier draw for the 2015 Queen Elizabeth Stakes is. Below is the early betting picture.
No
Horse
Trainer
Jockey
Barrier
Weight
1
CONTRIBUTER (IRE)
John O'Shea
James McDonald
13
59kg
2
CRITERION (NZ)
David Hayes & Tom Dabernig
Craig Williams
4
59kg
3
HAPPY TRAILS
Paul Beshara
Damien Oliver
9
59kg
4
RED CADEAUX (GB)
Ed Dunlop
TBA
3
59kg
5
FIVEANDAHALFSTAR
Anthony Cummings
Blake Shinn
7
59kg
6
BEATEN UP (GB)
Chris Waller
TBA
1
59kg
7
SPILLWAY (GB)
David Hayes & Tom Dabernig
Michael Walker
6
59kg
8
AOMEN (IRE)
Anthony Cummings
TBA
2
59kg
9
ADELAIDE (IRE)
Chris Waller
Ryan Moore
12
58.5kg
10
TO THE WORLD (JPN)
Yasutoshi Ikee
Nicholas Hall
5
58.5kg
11
TOSEN STARDOM (JPN)
Yasutoshi Ikee
Tommy Berry
11
58.5kg
12
ROYAL DESCENT
Chris Waller
Joao Moreira
10
57kg
13
LUCIA VALENTINA (NZ)
Kris Lees
Hugh Bowman
8
57kg
Early betting picture for the 2015 Queen Elizabeth Stakes is.
Hopes are high Aetna can provide Joseph O'Brien with his first winner of the Flat campaign in the feature event at Cork on Easter Monday.
Aetna: Runs at Cork on Monday
O'Brien was conspicuous by his absence on the opening day of the Irish season at the Curragh last weekend, with his father Aidan admitting the dual champion jockey was struggling with his weight.
The fact O'Brien jnr rode over hurdles for the first time on the same afternoon led many to question his long-term future on the level, but he was back in Flat action at Cork on Saturday and returns to the Mallow track to take two rides for the Easterby team tomorrow.
The main attraction is the Cork Stakes, in which O'Brien partners the smart mare Aetna, who makes her first appearance since an impressive display in the Wentworth Stakes at Doncaster last November.
With her favoured conditions set to prevail, David Easterby, assistant to his father, Mick, feels the five-year-old is poised to make a winning return.
He said: "I'm on the ferry as we speak and I think we're all really looking forward to it.
"We decided to target this race when we missed last weekend's meeting at Doncaster because the ground was too quick.
"The ground will be soft enough for her and she's the top-rated horse in the race, so it looks a good opportunity, and I don't think we could have a much better jockey than Joseph O'Brien in the saddle.
"He rode for us when he was over at the Western meeting at Ayr, we're very happy to have him and maybe he's got a point to prove riding back on the Flat."
Aetna faces six rivals over six furlongs in the Listed event, with John Joseph Murphy's Big Time and the Eddie Lynam-trained Gathering Power among her rivals.
Also making the journey from Sheriff Hutton is Be Lucky, who carries the famous colours of the Sangster family in the Cork Racecourse Handicap.
"She was in at Redcar and if we weren't bringing Aetna over we probably would have run her there, but as it worked out, it suited to bring her as well," said Easterby.
"The race she's running in suits and she likes a bit of cut in the ground as well."
Four unraced two-year-olds go to post for the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden.
The rest of the card is made up by three hunter chases and two bumpers.
Joseph O'Brien suffered a dramatic final-flight exit from Marchese Marconi as Tony McCoy clinched victory aboard Sir Scorpion in the Gleesons Butchers Novice Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
O'Brien missed the start of the new Flat season at the Curragh last Sunday, instead riding over hurdles for the first time at Limerick, and was having his second outing over jumps at the County Meath circuit.
Marchese Marconi, trained by the jockey's father, Aidan O'Brien, and owned by JP McManus, was ridden prominently throughout and still held a narrow advantage when he made a mistake at the last and unseated his rider.
Sir Scorpion, carrying the first colours of McManus and trained by Tom Mullins, was the 6-4 favourite following victory at Leopardstown at the end of February and toughed it out on the run-in to score by a length and a quarter from Lilshane.
O'Brien walked away seemingly none the worse from the fall, while McCoy, whose appearance at the Easter Festival looks set to be his last as a jockey in Ireland, received a rousing reception upon his return to the winner's enclosure.
He said: "I thought he'd a good chance going out. He took time to pick up, and hopefully he'll improve for the experience."
Mullins added: "He sweated up a lot at the start and we'll have to see how he comes out of this before thinking about Punchestown. Tony said he'll stay further."
A review of Saturday's meeting at Cork where leading jockey Joseph O'Brien returned to action on the Flat scene.
Joseph O'Brien: Returned to race-riding on the level
Joseph O'Brien was out of luck as he returned to action on the Flat with two rides at Cork on a fine day for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen.
Dual champion jockey O'Brien missed the opening exchanges of the turf season at the Curragh last weekend after being described as "a little heavy" by his father, Aidan, and instead rode over hurdles for the first time at Limerick on the same afternoon.
O'Brien jnr was also absent from Wednesday evening's all-weather fixture at Dundalk, leading to more speculation about his long-term future, but the jockey insists he is getting to grips with his weight and was back in the saddle on East India in the www.corkracecourse.ie Rated Race.
East India was never a factor, however, with the distress signals being sent out by O'Brien rounding the home turn and he was eventually last of the five runners.
O'Brien said: "My weight is good and I'm looking forward to riding again later."
There was no happy ending to the afternoon for Joseph as his second and final mount on the card, Hans Holbein in the Blackwater Maiden, proved no match for Summaya despite being sent off the 8/15 favourite.
Hans Hobein Chased Home a very impressive Summaya At Cork Yesterday
Speculation over when Joseph O'Brien would return to ride on the Flat has ended after the jockey was declared for two mounts at Cork on Saturday.
O'Brien created a relative media frenzy last weekend by riding over hurdles at Limerick, instead of being in action on the first day of the new season at the Curragh.
However, O'Brien will compete on the level at Cork, with the rider due to partner East India at 9st 6lb in the www.corkracecourse Rated Stakes and Hans Holbein at 9st 5lb in the Blackwater Maiden.
Joseph O'Brien rides on the Flat for the first time this season at Cork on Saturday after being declared on two runners for his father Aidan. Joseph Will Ride East India in the 3YO Rated race at 245pm & Hans Hobein in the Maiden at 530pm.
Pictures - (1) Joseph O'Brien (2) East India winning at Curragh
Coolmore has today completed the purchase of a controlling interest in the unbeaten Golden Slipper winner Vancouver and are delighted the current owners are going to participate in his racing and stud career.
“There was obviously a massive amount of interest in the horse so we are delighted to have secured him,” said Coolmore Stud Tom Magnier. “He’s a brilliant colt and we and our partners, who include the China Horse Club, Ramsey Pastoral and Peters Investments, couldn’t be more excited about his future.”
“Vancouver, along with another of our recent investments, Pride Of Dubai, serve to illustrate the long-term commitment of Coolmore to the Australian breeding industry. Both of these wonderful racehorses were born and raised at our Jerrys Plains property in the Hunter Valley and are a ringing endorsement that there is no finer source of quality bloodstock.”
“Vancouver is a very good looking horse from a dominant sire line and just look at the record of Slipper winners at stud,” said Coolmore manager Michael Kirwan.
Vancouver is unbeaten in four career starts to date. His Todman Stakes success saw him record the fastest 1200m ever run by a two year-old at Randwick, while his time for the Golden Slipper equalled that of Coolmore’s other Golden Slipper winning superstar, Pierro.
Joseph O'Brien is set to return to Flat racing at Cork over the Bank Holiday weekend after being booked for a couple of rides by British trainer Mick Easterby.
Joseph O'Brien (l) has been booked to ride for Mick Easterby
The dual champion jockey missed the opening day of the turf season at the Curragh on Sunday after being described as "a little heavy" by his father, Aidan, and instead rode over hurdles for the first time at Limerick on the same afternoon.
O'Brien jnr also missed Wednesday evening's all-weather fixture at Dundalk, leading to more speculation about his long-term future, but the jockey insists he is getting to grips with his weight.
He said: "I was going to ride (at Dundalk) on Wednesday, but my brother jocked me off it with a couple of hours to go. I'd say I'll be back at either Cork on Saturday or Monday.
"I think I have two for Mick Easterby on Monday. I'm not 100 per cent sure about Saturday yet, so we'll see what happens.
"I think I'm winning (with the weight) at the minute. It's not too bad the last couple of days. Hopefully I'll be back in action soon enough.
"We have plenty of nice horses and I'm looking forward to getting back riding. It's going to be a long year ahead.
"I just eat healthy, do plenty of running and keep busy. I ride about 10 or 11 (horses) a day and play soccer once or twice a week."
Speaking to the Talking Horses show on racingfm.com, O'Brien said: "I don't see myself having a proper crack at the jumps any time soon anyway. At the moment we have a couple of nice horses we'll be kicking on with during the summer and the winter and I'm happy enough just to sit on a couple of them for the moment.
"I always said that I'd have a couple of rides over jumps. Whenever you have a ride you want it to win, whether it's over hurdles or on the Flat. Please God, I'll have a couple of winners.
"I rode plenty of ponies cross-country (racing) and eventing when I was younger. I really enjoyed it and I was always going to have a couple of spins over jumps when the time came and it suited. It's nice to get the first one out of the way."
Asked whether he could see himself competing at the Cheltenham Festival in the future, the jockey said: "I suppose anyone that ever rides over jumps the dream is to end up riding in Cheltenham. That's the pinnacle.
Found: won last year's Prix Marcel Boussac under Ryan Moore
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
Found and Forever on course for 1,000 Guineas
AIDAN O'BRIEN has four fillies entered in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas and has confirmed favourite Found and joint-third in the betting Together Forever are on course for the Newmarket Classic.
O'Brien, who previously reported the 7-2 favourite "had a temperature about three weeks ago", stated his confidence in getting last year's Prix Marcel Boussac winner to Newmarket on May 3, along with the yard's other Group 1-winning juvenile filly Together Forever.
The Ballydoyle trainer also has Qualify and Toogoodtobetrue and he said: "We took them to the Curragh on Sunday, where they did a half-speed.
"We won't be finalising plans until much closer to the race but we're certainly looking at running Found and Together Forever. Ryan [Moore] rode Together Forever on Sunday and was very happy with her."
Words (Dansili x Moonstone), 16-1 second favourite for the Investec Oaks, is unlikely to make her reappearance before the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on May 24. Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "Words had a hold-up and probably won't be ready to start until possibley the Irish Guineas."
Photo - Words (Putple Cap) wining her maiden debut at the Curragh on 27th June 2014
The United Stakes & Gallante in Action Down Under on Saturday
The United States (Galileo) is set for his 3rd start in Australia He runs in The Victoria Handicap. He has put in some positive performances finishing 3rd and 4th in his first 2 starts for new trainer Robert Hickmott.
Gallante (Montjeu) who is also based with Robert Hickmott was Coolmore owned when he was trained in France By Andre Fabre He won The Grand Prix De Paris for the lads last season defeating The Great Gatsby this will be his first outing in Australia in the same race as stable mate The United States.
Also Coolmore have a runner at Randwick on Saturday in Race 6 called Pride Of Dubai (They Co-Own)
Ireland's champion trainer Aidan O'Brien gained victory in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes with the impressive Hawk Wing in 2003 and has entered last season's Diamond Jubilee Stakes runner-up Due Diligence plus Cougar Mountain and Oklahoma City.
Tarfasha: her dam Grecian Bride is set to visit Coolmore this season
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
Tarfasha dam to visit champion sire Galileo
BY TOM PENNINGTON10:15AM 1 APR 2015
MICHAEL O'FLYNN'S star producer Grecian Bride is heading to Coolmore this year to be covered by Galileo.
The 21-year-old Groom Dancer mare, who was unraced, has been the flagbearer for O'Flynn's Rockfield Farm in County Cork, producing seven winners, including black-type scorers Saddler's Rock, who embarks on a stallion career at Beech House Stud this year, Listed scorer Allexina and Tarfasha, whose biggest success in 2014 came in the Group 2 Blandford Stakes.
Grecian Bride is also responsible for Galileo Rock, a son of Galileo who was placed in three Classics - the Derby, Irish Derby and St Leger - for David Wachman.
"Galileo is the obvious choice for Grecian Bride," said Rockfield Farm manager David Burns. "Galileo Rock is one of the mare's best offspring. Not many horses place in two Derbys.
"Grecian Bride is an exceptional broodmare and we want to support her with the best sires."
Grecian Bride's Teofilo yearling filly - a sister to Tarfasha - was knocked down to Shadwell for €950,000 at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale last year.
Urgele is another Rockfield Farm mare Burns has high hopes for. The daughter of Zafonic is responsible for the Ed Walker-trained Invincible Gold, who won two races last year. The Invincible Spirit three-year-old is rated 89.
"Urgele is a nice mare," said Burns. "She produced a Listed winner for Godolphin [the Invincible Spirit gelding Al Aasifh] and has a smart three-year-old colt in the form of Invincible Gold.
"She will go to Charm Spirit this year. He seems the logical choice, being a Group 1-winning son of Invincible Spirit."
Saddler's Rock carried O'Flynn's red and yellow colours to four victories, his biggest wins coming in the Doncaster Cup and Goodwood Cup for John Oxx.
Burns hopes there will be scope to support the Sadler's Wells stallion in the future.
He said: "We wouldn't have many jumps mares, but Michael has a few jumpers in training and we'd definitely hope to support Saddler's Rock."