Last Updated: May 31 2015, 16:37 BST (Sporting Life)
Gleneagles has seemingly moved a tentative step closer towards running in the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday.
Gleneagles: Still a possible for the Derby
Aidan O'Brien, speaking from Chantilly on Sunday, said it was likely the dual Guineas winner would be left in the premier Classic at Monday's confirmation stage.
"I think there is another stage tomorrow and I didn't hear that he was going to be taken out, so I presume he is going to be left in tomorrow - I presume," said the Ballydoyle handler.
Owners Coolmore also have the option of adding the filly Found into the field on Monday.
O'Brien said: "I didn't hear anything about the filly being supplemented in it yet, anyway.
"All the colts that are in it, are in it.
"There is a supplementary stage tomorrow and I didn't hear that the filly would be supplemented."
Highland Reel finished second under Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
New Bay finished with a flourish to provide Andre Fabre with a fourth victory in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.
The Khalid Abdullah-owned son of Dubawi was settled in the rear by French champion jumps jockey Vincent Cheminaud for much of the extended mile-and-a-quarter journey and remained nearer last than first rounding the home turn.
Once angled wide to challenge, though, New Bay showed thrilling acceleration to run to the lead and was ultimately well on top of Aidan O'Brien's challenger Highland Reel as he passed the post under his jubilant jockey.
Cheminaud, whose mount won by a length and a half, said: "It's an incredible feeling. New Bay is an extraordinary horse."
Highland Reel bounced back from a disappointing run when favourite for the French 2000 Guineas to fill the runner-up spot in the hands of O'Brien's son, Joseph.
Of the two other Ballydoyle contenders the Ryan Moore-ridden Cape Clear Island failed to get competitive, while War Envoy was a long way behind in last place.
Alain de Royer-Dupre's much-vaunted Karaktar looked poised to challenge early in the straight, but his run petered out and he was ultimately disappointing, while War Dispatch finished an unlucky-in-running third under Ioritz Mendizabal.
O'Brien said of his trio: "I'm delighted with Highland Reel. He ran a very good race. He progressed well from the last race. I'm very happy with his race.
"He has a lot of options. There is the Irish Derby or the Eclipse. He has all of those races possible. The winner quickened up very well, didn't he?
"Cape Clear Island wants fast ground. War Envoy ran disappointing. Maybe a mile and a quarter is too far."
HELENE SUPER STAR (Formerly Lines of Battle) takes Standard Chartered Champions & Charter Cup 2015 Hong Kong
Former Ballydoyle inmate Lines of Battle (Now Named Helene Superstar) Notched his first career Group One winning the Champion And Charter Cup At Sha Tin (Hong Kong) Replay Below.
Deauville justified favouritism in the opener at Listowel, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, scoring on debut under Seamie Heffernan for Aidan O'Brien.
The son of Galileo is a full-brother to four time winner The Corsican and he holds entries in the Railway Stakes and the National Stakes along with the 2016 Epsom Derby.
Available at 2/1 last night he opened on-course at 11/8, touching 5/4, before going off the clear 6/4 favourite.
Drawn on the rail he broke well and soon disputed the lead before getting to the front over four furlongs out.
He was ridden a furlong and a half from home and kept on well inside the final furlong to score by two lengths.
Hoppala (4/1) finished second under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld while Leath Na Hoibre (8/1) was a further length and a quarter back in third under Kevin Manning for Brendan Duke.
Seamie Heffernan said afterwards: "It was easy to like him and he was pretty professional although was a little green under pressure.
"I'd call the ground soft (as opposed to the official 'heavy') but the winning rider always thinks that and he handled it well."
This Fella makes his debut today Co Owned By Mrs Fitri Hay
Spotlight Son of Galileo entered in the Railway Stakes; brother to The Corsican who won 1m2f Listed race at Goodwood earlier this month; has the plum draw in stall one; trainer won this last year with a newcomer; watch market for clues but obvious claims on pedigree.
Outspoken forges on under Donnacha O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Outspoken landed a punt in Navan's concluding mile and two maiden with an authoritative victory in his first racecourse appearance.
He was viewed as Aidan O'Brien's second string as Joseph O'Brien was on board the 5/2 favourite Cenotaph with Donnacha O'Brien booked for Outspoken. That didn't deter punters though as he was backed at as big as 11/1 in the morning to an opening show of 4/1 before being returned 11/4.< Cenotaph took the field along and was still travelling well at the top of the hill with just over three furlongs to travel. Meanwhile,Outspoken was pushed along in fifth.
However,Outspoken picked up very well a furlong and a half out and swept past those two rivals. He pulled away in the final furlong to win by three and a half lengths.<Salthouse (8/1) came in second. He was a length in front of New Agenda in third at 5/1.Botany Bay finished his race out well to get up for fourth.
Donnacha O'Brien said: "He's a big, green, raw horse. He's a lovely horse with a big engine. He'll be suited by stepping up a bit in trip, and can only improve the further he goes."
Found (left): a possible contender for the Investec Derby
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
O’Brien set to finalise plans for Epsom Classics
BALLYDOYLE'S Investec Derby plans should become clearer over the weekend, trainer Aidan O'Brien said on Friday, as his Coolmore owners continued to ponder their Epsom permutations.
Forfeits, at a cost of £1,900 for each filly, are made on Saturday for the Investec Oaks, in which O'Brien's principal contenders are Found - who may yet be supplemented to the Derby on Monday - Diamondsandrubies and Together Forever.
Of the colts, Hans Holbein and Kilimanjaro are Epsom-bound while, although still in the race, it is unclear whether Gleneagles and/or Giovanni Canaletto will be joining them.
The trainer said: "Nothing has been decided yet and everything is still a bit up in the air. We will discuss things over the weekend and finalise plans then."
One-time Derby hope Sir Isaac Newton could travel to Royal Ascot for his next engagement after getting off the mark at the third time of asking in a maiden at Gowran Park on Wednesday.
O'Brien said: "He won his maiden over seven furlongs, so the Jersey Stakes is an obvious option. We will take things gradually with him and I would imagine his next race will be over anything from seven to a mile and a quarter, so the Tercentenary Stakes will also be considered."
Paul Rhodes Reporting for AOBFS Saturday 30th May 2015
Cape Clear Island gets up to take the Tattersalls Millions Trophy at Newmarket in April
Aidan O'BRIEN saddles three runners in his quest for His First Victory in the Prix du Jockey Club tomorrow, Jockey Ryan Moore unexpectedly has decided to partner Cape Clear Island instead of Vintage Stakes Winner Highland Reel.
Highland Reel did ok in the French 2,000 Guineas at Longchamp, he kept on to finish up in sixth position, His best work came late on so the step up to 1 mile 2 furlongs for tomorrow's Race is expected to suit.
However Moore gave Cape Clear Island the nod he sports firsttime blinkers in the race & was also gifted the best draw of the Ballydoyle Trio which may have tipped Moore's hand.
Cape Clear Island won the Tattersalls Millions Trophy in April and was a solid 2nd behind Master Apprentice in the Sandown Classic Trial on 24th April. He was then sent to France on May 10th to run in the Gr3 Prix Hocquart where again the son of Fastnet Rock ran another solid race finishing 2nd just a length behind Ampere.
Joseph O'Brien gets the ride on Highland Reel, & Colm O'Donoghue will be on War Envoy both drawn 8 & 9.
War Envoy has some solid Juvenile Form & Has had 3 runs so far in 2015 last seen finishing 7th in the French Guineas he ran a Solid 4th in The Craven Stakes after disappointing in his first outing of the season in a listed contest at Dundalk.
Aidan O'Brien: has interesting juvenile entries at the Curragh
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
O'Brien bluebloods given Curragh options
BY AISLING CROWE1:28PM 29 MAY 2015
COOLMORE, the unraced two-year-old full sister to dual Guineas hero Gleneagles, is one of 17 fillies from the Aidan O'Brien stable entered in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh as part of Irish Champions' Weekend.
The €300,000 contest has attracted 85 initial entries, including 14 from Britain. O'Brien, who has won the race six times, also has Best In The World among his entries. She is an unraced full sister to Ballydoyle's Prix Marcel Boussac winner and putative Investec Derby runner Found.
Jim Bolger's impressive Marble Hill Stakes winner Round Two heads a list of 94 colts entered for the Group 1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes, also at the Curragh on September 13.
O'Brien also holds a strong hand in this race with last year's 2.6 million guineas Tattersalls sale topper, now called Londonderry Air, one of the trainer's 35 entries. A Galileo half-brother to King George winner Harbinger, he has yet to see the track.
Coolmore a full sister to the brilliant dual 2,000 Guineas winner Gleneagles and is one of 17 entriesAidan O'Brien has made for the race. O'Brien has won the Moyglare Stud Stakes on six previous occasions, most recently with Maybe in 2011. He has also entered Best In The World, a full sister to Found who finished third in last year's race before winning the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp.
Vincent O'Brien Stakes Gr1 entries
Aidan O'Brien looks to hold a strong hand with 38 Entries and he has entered Londonderry Air who was the top-priced yearling when sold for 2.6m Guineas at Tattersalls last year. O'Brien, who has won the race on nine occasions has also entered The Major General who made 1.5m EUR at Goffs Orby in October while Air Vice Marshall and Schubert who fetched US$2.2m and US$1.5m respectively at Keeneland yearling sales last year.
Vintage Stakes Winner Highland Reel among O'Brien Trio
Aidan O'Brien has left three horses in the running for Sunday Prix de Jockey Club at Chantilly.
The Ballydoyle handler could call upon French 2000 Guineas sixth and seventh Highland Reel and War Envoy, as well as Cape Clear Island, who finished second in the Prix Hocquart at Longchamp most recently.
Sir Isaac Newton went some way to redeeming his lofty reputation in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Gowran Park.
Fancied for the Classics after making leading Investec Derby contender Zawraq pull out all the stops on his only appearance as a juvenile, Aidan O'Brien's expensive Galileo colt blotted his copybook on his Chester comeback.
Sent off the 4-6 favourite to atone, Seamie Heffernan's mount took the lead off chief market rival Valac approaching the furlong marker.
He quickened smartly and despite showing some signs of inexperience still, coasted past the post three and a quarter lengths ahead of Stop And Linger.
Heffernan said: "He's one that we have always liked and that was expected. I expect more progress.
"A mile and a quarter might end up being his ideal trip."
Sir Isaac Newton and Seamus Heffernan (Healy Racing Photos)
Ballydoyle's one time Epsom Derby hope and jaw-droppingly expensive purchase Sir Isaac Newton belatedly gained his maiden success at Gowran today, comfortably winning the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, under Seamie Heffernan.
The son of Galileo was purchased for all of 3,600,000gns at Tattersalls (England) as a yearling but was beaten on debut last October as 8/11 favourite, admittedly by Derby contender Zawraq, before being over-turned at 1/6 on his seasonal reappearance in a maiden at Chester on May 6.
That defeat effectively ended an Epsom aspirations but today's performance was much more encouraging, as he stayed on strongly inside the final furlong for a three and a quarter length win over Stop And Linger.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien wasn't present but jockey Heffernan later stated "he's one that we have always liked and that was expected. I expect more progress.
"A mile and a quarter might end up being his ideal trip."< Sir Isaac Newton has entries in numerous top Group races; St James's Palace Stakes, Ballycorus Stakes, King Edward VII Stakes, Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, International Stakes, Coral-Eclipse Stakes, Qatar Sussex Stakesand QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes.
At the start of the year, Aidan O'Brien appeared to have a stranglehold on this season's Epsom Derby. Yet now, a little more than a week before the race that is central to the Coolmore universe, he is struggling to mount a realistic challenge. All, however, may not be lost, as Donn McClean reports.
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The relationship between Ballydoyle and the Epsom Derby goes way back. It was in 1962 that Vincent O'Brien – who had long since been sending horses to Cheltenham to win Cheltenham Gold Cups and Champion Hurdles – sent Larkspur from his County Tipperary base to Epsom to win the Derby. And he won it again in 1968 and 1970 and 1972 and 1977 and 1982.
Vincent's successor Aidan O’Brien (still no relation) sent his first Derby winner to Epsom in 2001. The long stride of Galileo – who would in time succeed his sire Sadler’s Wells as the most influential Thoroughbred stallion of his generation – taking him three and a half lengths clear of Golan. Aidan also sent out the 1-2 the following year, High Chaparral outlasting Hawk Wing on the rain-softened ground, the pair of them coming 12 lengths clear of their rivals.
We had to wait 10 years for Aidan’s next winner, but the wait was worthwhile, Camelot coming clear under the trainer’s son Joseph, the Guineas winner setting up a tilt at the British Triple Crown – the 2000 Guineas, the Derby, and the St Leger, a trio of victories last achieved by Nijinsky in 1970 – that only just failed.
Camelot did, however, set up the Ballydoyle rat-tat-tat: Ruler Of The World followed his stable companion’s lead in 2013 and Australia emulated the feat in 2014. Aidan O’Brien thereby becoming the first trainer ever to land three consecutive renewals of the Epsom Derby. Australia was Aidan’s fifth Derby winner, leaving him one behind his predecessor Vincent and just two short of the all-time record. You feel that this one is a case of when rather than if.
Legendary Italian breeder Federico Tesio – breeder of, among others, Nearco and Ribot – said that the Thoroughbred existed because its selection depended not on experts, technicians, or zoologists, but on a piece of wood: the winning post of the Epsom Derby. His words resonate around the world of Thoroughbred racing, and the Coolmore/Ballydoyle drum beats to the rhythm of the Derby like it does to no other race.
The build up to the Derby starts a long way out at Ballydoyle, long before the Derby runners start the roller-coaster descent around Tattenham Corner. Derby prospects are continually sought and identified.
Last year, on his final run as a juvenile, John F Kennedy was impressive in winning a G3 at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend and was immediately promoted to the top of all Derby betting lists. Then Ol’ Man River won the G2 Beresford Stakes at the Curragh, the race that Sea The Stars had won in 2008, and had his Derby odds cut from 14-1 and 16-1 to 8-1 and 10-1.
Giovanni Canaletto, Ruler Of The World’s full brother, was in the mix for the G1 Racing Post Trophy in late October, the race that has been the best juvenile pointer to the following year’s Derby in recent times, but he was re-routed to a maiden at Leaopardstown on the same day, and he won it doing handsprings. Three days later Sir Isaac Newton made his racecourse debut, running the highly-regarded Dermot Weld horse Zawraq to a half-length, the pair of them miles clear.
Then, of course, there was Gleneagles, by Galileo out of Giant’s Causeway’s full sister You’resothrilling, bred for stardom and a dual G1 winner as a juvenile. While the 2,000 Guineas appeared to be his primary objective, the Derby was always there as an option if he was needed to bolster the team.
At the start of this season, Ballydoyle’s prospective Derby team could hardly have been stronger. Racehorses being racehorses, however, this sport being the volatile creature that it is, it started to unravel. John F Kennedy got beaten in the Ballysax Stakes and in the Dante, and was scratched from the Derby picture. Ol’ Man River got beaten in the Guineas and in the Dante (won by new Derby favourite, the John Gosden-trained Golden Horn) and was similarly scratched. Sir Isaac Newton got beaten in a maiden at Chester, and even the genius that is Aidan O’Brien would struggle to win a Derby with a maiden.
A slight setback meant that Giovanni Canaletto missed his date with the Chester Vase, the race that his brother had used as a springboard to Derby glory two years ago. He did make it back to the racecourse in time to contest the Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday, and he didn’t fare badly in that, given that it was his seasonal debut, finishing a running-on second to Curvy. That said, it would have been better if he had won.
On the plus side, Hans Holbein won the Chester Vase in his stable companion’s absence, and Kilimanjaro won the Lingfield Derby Trial. You wouldn’t have had either at the top of the Ballydoyle Derby list at the start of the season, but things change. (See ‘volatile creature’ reference above.) Kilimanjaro is by High Chaparral out of a half-sister to G1 Gran Criterium winner Nayarra, Hans Holbein is by Montjeu and is a three-parts brother to Irish St Leger winner Sans Frontieres. He will not lack for stamina, that’s for sure.
Team Ballydoyle have two more realistic Derby options. One is Gleneagles. The Galileo colt has run twice this season so far, in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, and in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh, and he has won both. All the vibes are that he is a specialist miler, however, and that the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot is his next logical target.
It is interesting that he was left in the Derby at the latest forfeit stage last Thursday but, in the winner’s enclosure after the Irish Guineas last Saturday, Aidan O’Brien did seem to think that he would stick to the original St James’s Palace Stakes plan. He went so far as to say that, in going through the forfeits, he had put a line through Gleneagles’ name, but that “the lads” (the way O'Brien often refers to the Coolmore ownership triumvirate of John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith) had said that they should leave him in, just to keep options open. Like Giant’s Causeway, but with more speed, the champion trainer said.
The other option is Found, and she is an intriguing Derby option. The daughter of Galileo was impressive in winning the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp last October on her final run at 2, when she had this year’s French 1,000 Guineas winner Ervedya two and a half lengths behind her in second place, with high-class fillies Jack Naylor and Malabar further behind.
A stop-start preparation meant that she missed the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, and you can easily forgive her defeat in a G3 at the Curragh the following day, when she showed her trademark turn of foot to go clear, but just got run down late on by the year-older Iveagh Gardens as she tired on the heavy ground.
She ran a cracker in the Irish 1,000 Guineas on Sunday, going down by just a half a length to a high-class filly in Pleascach in what will likely prove to be a really strong renewal of the fillies’ classic.
It is generally not Team Coolmore’s policy to run a filly in the Derby, but they already have the Oaks favourite in the David Wachman-trained Legatissimo, winner of the 1,000 Guineas, and there have been rumours that Found might be supplemented to the Derby. She would be a worthy contender too, a top class juvenile, a G1 winner, by Galileo out of a G1 Lockinge Stakes winner in Red Evie and a full-sister to Magical Dream, who stayed a mile and a half.
While fillies do not have a bad recent record in the Irish Derby – Salsabil and Balanchine have won it for the fair sex in the last 25 years – you have to go back to Fifinella in 1916 to find the last filly to win the Derby. But not many fillies try. Cape Verdi is the last filly to run in the Derby, and Cape Verdi was 17 years ago. In an open year, Found would have a real chance.
Whatever the make-up of the team that Aidan O’Brien ultimately sends to the Derby, you can be sure that each member will have been hand-picked, each one meticulously prepared. Four Epsom Derbies in a row would be an extraordinary feat, another one to add to O’Brien’s remarkable CV.
It is surely only a matter of time before Aidan O’Brien equals Vincent O’Brien’s tally of six Epsom Derby wins. It may only be a matter of weeks.
Captain Barbossa (brown noseband) just edges things in the last (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan and Sarah O'Brien made a fruitless trip to Ballinrobe on Monday evening with Rosshaven Lady (5th), but there was to be no denying them at the second attempt when newcomer Captain Barbossa took the McHale Bale Wrappers Flat Race for his owner J P McManus (doubling up after The Gatechecker's earlier win).
This seven runner extended two mile event seemed to be a muddling affair, and over the last couple of furlongs into developed into a four-cornered battle, between Shouband(cried enough inside the last after being keen), Captain Barbossa (well-backed 13/8 favourite), Bertie Bell and Scoir Mear.
At the line Captain Barbossa got the best of it, by a short head from Bertie Bell, with a nose to Scoir Mear. Shouband was a three and three parts of a length back.
The well-backed second market-choice, Colwinston (keen), disappointed and eventually finished a tailed off sixth.
"That was great. The lads always liked him. I'm not sure what kind of race it was and he will probably go for another bumper. I'd imagine he will come on from that," commentedAidan O'Brien.
He added: "They do some job here and the track is twice the track it was."
Highland Reel: one of four O'Brien-trained runners still in the Jockey Club
PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com)
O'Brien quartet among 18 left in French Derby
BY SCOTT BURTON12:53PM 26 MAY 2015
France: A TOTAL of 18 colts remain in contention for Sunday's Prix du Jockey Club after Tuesday's first forfeit stage.
No British-trained entries feature but Aidan O'Brien has four possibles left in the line-up, headed by Highland Reel.
The Ballydoyle trainer has also left in Cape Clear Island, War Envoy and Sir Isaac Newton, who runs at Gowran on Wednesday.
Francis Graffard is three-handed at this stage, with Qatar Racing's Prix Greffulhe winner Sumbal – who is under consideration to be supplemented into the Investec Derby – joined on the list by the Al Shaqab pair Karar and Vision Des Aigles.
Of the other major trial winners Silverwave, War Dispatch and Karaktar all stand their ground, as does Poule d'Essai des Poulains runner-up New Bay.
As expected Epicuris was among the withdrawals following Criquette Head-Maarek's failure to get special dispensation from France Galop for help with stalls entry.
Chantilly director Mathieu Vincent anticipates good ground for Sunday's €1,500,000 showpiece, with no appreciable rain forecast in the run-up.
"The ground was good on Sunday and we put eight millimeters of water on Sunday evening, before receiving 1.5mm of rain on Monday morning," said Vincent.
"That left us at soft for Monday morning's racecourse gallops. The couple of spots of rain we're anticipating won't amount to much and we will look at watering to maintain good ground either Thursday or Friday evening."
Found remains in contention for the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday week following her narrow defeat in Sunday's Irish 1,000 Guineas.
The last filly to run in the mile and-a-half Classic was Cape Verdi, who finished ninth in 1998, with Nobiliary the latest to be placed when second to Grundy in 1975.
Six fillies have won the Derby, although the latest was 99 years ago when Fifinella landed a wartime substitute Derby at Newmarket.
With a number of Aidan O'Brien's Derby prospects falling by the wayside, the Coolmore team are not ruling out letting Found take on the boys after going down by half a length to Pleascach at the Curragh.
Coolmore representative Kevin Buckley said at Tuesday's Breakfast With The Stars morning at Epsom: " The plan is to come to Epsom, probably for the Oaks but possibly for the Derby.
"'We have a good representation in the Oaks with Diamondsandrubies and Together Forever, so we have to look at the Derby for Found."
Other possible Derby contenders for the master of Ballydoyle include Chester Vase winner Hans Holbein, but it appears increasingly likely dual Guineas winner Gleneagles will not be on the team.
"I was taken by Hans Holbein's performance at Chester. He's a big price," said Buckley.
"Aidan maintains he (Gleneagles) is a specialist miler. Being realistic, the St James's Palace (at Royal Ascot) is his likely target.
"Giovanni Canaletto is still being trained with the Derby in mind, but race may come too soon."
FIRST STAKES SUCCESS FOR EX-BALLYDOYLE INMATE VICTORY SONG
25 May 2015
Victory Song beats from left to right, Tonabrocky, Cape Glory and Deep Speed at The Curragh in 2013
The absence of a keen leader worked to the advantage of VICTORY SONG (IRE) in San Siro’s Listed event on Sunday. Successful jockey Luca Maniezzi said afterwards, “I was a bit surprised when the others let me take a big advantage and in the home straight Victory Song responded gamely when asked.” It was the five year old entire’s first Stakes victory, having broken his maiden for Aidan O’Brien at the Curragh as a three-year-old. It was his only win that year before being sold to German connections and is now in training with Wolfgang Figge for owner Kurt Fekonja. He is regally-bred, being out of a full-sister to champion sire Galileo (IRE) and a half-sister to the champion racehorse Sea The Stars (IRE). The dam herself, All Too Beautiful (IRE), was second in the Epsom Oaks, as was her second foal, Wonder Of Wonders. Her fifth foal, Sparrow (IRE), gained black-type last year with a third in the Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes at Leopardstown.
Aidan O’Brien hailed Gleneagles as the best miler he’s ever trained following the colt’s game success in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, but a Timeform rating of 126 leaves him well short of the level achieved by the pick of O’Brien’s superstars. Here are O'Brien's four best milers, based on Timeform ratings
Rather cruelly dubbed ‘the second coming who kept coming second’, Hawk Wing belatedly justified his lofty reputation when he registered a 10-length success in the 2003 Lockinge Stakes, earning a career-best Timeform rating of 136. Hawk Wing had won the Coral-Eclipse the previous season, but his classic campaign was largely one of disappointment, a beaten favourite in four top-level contests, including the 2000 Guineas and the Derby. In mitigation, Hawk Wing was desperately unlucky in the Guineas having been drawn on the wrong side, whilst time has shown that finishing within two lengths of High Chaparral on rain-softened ground over a trip in excess of his best – 12 lengths clear of the third – was an excellent effort from Hawk Wing. The Lockinge was the day when it all clicked, though, as Hawk Wing was sent straight into the lead and had the race in safe-keeping fully three furlongs out as high-class opponents were left toiling in his wake. The excellent timefigure further bolstered the impression that Hawk Wing had achieved something special: it's still the best performance put up by a horse trained by Aidan O’Brien.
Excelebration had enjoyed a fruitful three-year-old campaign in the care of Marco Botti, victorious on every occasion he avoided bumping into Frankel, and he confirmed his status as one of the best milers this century – if no match for the imperious Frankel – by adding a couple of Group 1 prizes to his tally as a four-year-old when trained by Aidan O’Brien. Excelebration had won the Prix Jacques le Marois, confirming that a couple of drubbings from Frankel hadn’t left a mark, but his best performance undoubtedly came on Champions Day when he won the QEII Stakes by three lengths in ready fashion. With Frankel contesting the 10-furlong Champion Stakes on the same card, Excelebration was sent off as an odds-on favourite to get the better of the likes of Cityscape and Elusive Kate, and he had little trouble doing so, always going best before showing a sharp turn of foot to assert. Excelebration failed to give his running on his only subsequent start in the Breeders’ Cup Mile and retired with three Group 1 wins to his name. But how many more would Excelebration have won were he born in any other generation?
Having won four of his five outings as a juvenile, including a strikingly-impressive win in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes, big things were expected of George Washington during his classic campaign: he didn’t disappoint. George Washington won the 2000 Guineas with a great deal of authority, travelling supremely well before quickening sharply to settle matters, and he bounced back from defeats in the Irish Guineas and Celebration Mile to record a career-best success in the QEII Stakes, producing the kind of top-class performance he’d always suggested was possible. George Washington barely had to come off the bridle to assert his superiority over genuine Group 1-calibre rivals such as Araafa, Court Masterpiece and Proclamation, carrying his head high but cruising to a one-and-a-quarter length success. Fertility issues at stud saw George Washington return to the racecourse, but he failed to match the exploits of his three-year-old campaign, and, tragically, suffered a fatal injury at the Breeders’ Cup. He may have been a quirky sort but George Washington is rightly remembered as one of the most talented, popular horses trained by Aidan O’Brien.
Rock of Gibraltar was perhaps a fortuitous winner of the 2000 Guineas –Hawk Wing shaped like the best horse on the day – but a record of seven consecutive Group 1 wins leaves little doubt that ‘the Rock’ was a top-class racehorse. With Hawk Wing stepping up in trip after Newmarket, Rock of Gibraltar mopped up the one-mile division, landing Europe’s biggest prizes with a degree of ease. It is for his heroic effort in defeat in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, however, that he is most fondly remembered. Having started slowly and been held up in a steadily-run race, in which it paid to race handily, Rock of Gibraltar was starting to make headway when he had switch sharply around his stricken stable companion Landseer. Rock of Gibraltar finished strongly down the outside, passing rival after rival, but he couldn’t quite peg back the French raider Domedriver, who had enjoyed a much more favourable passage.
Air Force Blue ridden by Ryan Moore (inside) comes home to win
Air Force Blue got another big afternoon for Aidan O'Brien off to a flyer by make a successful debut in the Dublin Coach To The Curragh Races European Breeders Fund Maiden.
The typically well-bred son of Galileo was second-best in the market at 4-1, with the Jim Bolger-trained Tribal Beat a short-priced 5-4 favourite with the benefit of prior experience.
However, the latter proved disappointing as Air Force Blue quickened clear from the final-furlong marker in the hands of Ryan Moore and although he needed the line at the finish, he passed it a neck to the good.
Fellow newcomer Rockaway Valley ran an excellent race to fill the runner-up spot, as did Tonkinese in third.
O'Brien said: "I thought he'd be a bit green like the filly yesterday (Ballydoyle). Ryan said he winged the gates and was there in front. He just got tired in the last 50 yards, which is understandable."
RaceBets introduced Air Force Blue into the betting for the Coventry Stakes at 16-1.
Asked about the trip to Royal Ascot, the trainer said: "He probably didn't learn a lot there and has only had one run. We'll have to see how he comes along."
Moore swiftly doubled up aboard the Martin Hassett-trained Master Speaker in the K Club Hotel, Spa & Ryder Cup Venue Handicap.
The former Ballydoyle inmate had managed just one previous victory from 19 starts, but has been placed on nine occasions, filling the runner-up spot three times this season already.
Sent off at 11-2, the five-year-old kept out of trouble on the outside of the field and picked up well to get the better of In Salutem by half a length.
"It's the Moore factor! Sean Corby has been riding him all along and it's nothing against him, but we said we'd try something different," said Hassett.
"His first few runs this year were phenomenal but we were disappointed with him the last day. In fairness, the handicapper has given us a chance and hopefully he won't be too hard after that.
"We are thinking of the Rockingham, although that's over five (furlongs). We'll see."
But exciting Ballydoyle colt enhances reputation in Curragh Classic
Gleneagles and Ryan Moore won the Irish 2,000 Guineas
It might have lacked a wow factor but Gleneagles' triumph in Saturday's Irish 2,000 Guineas didn't lack much else.
The classy Galileo colt had won with tremendous style at Newmarket. In the Tattersalls-sponsored version at the Curragh, while he had the benefit of a run, he had to overcome more adverse factors than on the Rowley Mile.
His draw one off the rail proved to be a slight negative as Ryan Moore found himself locked precariously in a pocket as the race began to unfold. He wasn't able to ride the race he would have liked, but, as Gleneagles has always done since he first got a taste for winning on his second start on Irish Derby weekend last year, his mount knuckled down when required.
Moore was characteristically composed when the need was greatest. He didn't do anything stupid, kept the faith and had the horse to seize the opportunity when a gap opened after the two-pole.
It's no secret by now but this is why the powers-that-be at Coolmore persisted for so long in their pursuit of him and then essentially allowed him to dictate the terms of their agreement. Moore picks and chooses when he makes himself available and you won't find him getting involved in the day-to-day machinations at Ballydoyle.
He knows, though, that he now has a concentrated swell of serious ammunition at his disposal, so he is available when it matters. That suits both parties just fine.
Gleneagles' turn of foot wasn't as explosive on ground that rode on the slow side of good, but he got the job done without any real fuss.
Endless Drama ran a blinder in second to confirm his potential, arriving on the scene alongside Gleneagles before getting outclassed. Ivawood got a little closer than he did at Newmarket in third, having been enterprisingly ridden by Richard Hughes.
Despite a reduced margin of victory, though, this was a thoroughly professional performance from Gleneagles that enhanced his reputation.
He has now passed the post in front in four Group Ones, albeit he was disqualified in France in the autumn when he was by some way the best horse in the race. In the 93-year history of the Irish 2,000 Guineas, he is one of just eight horses to have won both it and the original version at Newmarket.
Tellingly, four of the eight have come this century, Rock Of Gibraltar initiating the quartet in 2002 and fellow Ballydoyle star Henrythenavigator (2008) the last to achieve the feat prior to Saturday.
Of Aidan O'Brien's nine previous Irish 2,000 Guineas-winning colts, only Rock Of Gibraltar had won as many Group Ones at the same stage.
He famously went on to land three more to take his sequence to seven, before going agonisingly close in the 2002 Breeders' Cup Mile on a frustrating night in Arlington Park. On Saturday, O'Brien suggested that they have never before had a miler of Gleneagles' calibre at Ballydoyle.
As ever, we must be cognisant that the great man is speaking in his role as the front for a global commercial entity concerned chiefly with producing and marketing stallions.
In that context, as was the case when he spoke in similarly unequivocal terms of Australia or Camelot or St Nicholas Abbey or So You Think, we must approach the balance of his contribution with some circumspection.
At this stage, on the evidence of what we have seen and that of the form book, Gleneagles is a massively exciting prospect that possesses similarly willing attributes to his uncle, Giant's Causeway. While a tilt at the Derby is unlikely, the sky is the limit for him.
Nonetheless, in each of his two Guineas victories he beat a single juvenile Group One winner, as he did when accounting for a below-par The Wow Signal at Longchamp in October. With that in mind, it is hard to yet vouch with any veracity that he is the best miler to emerge from Ballydoyle on O'Brien's watch.
He is surely superior to most of his fellow O'Brien-trained winners of Saturday's Classic, but Rock Of Gibraltar and Henrythenavigator were a bit special. Other Ballydoyle heavyweights like Hawk Wing, George Washington and even Excelebration weren't too shabby at a mile, either.
After the Curragh, Rock Of Gibraltar plundered the St James's Palace Stakes, the Sussex Stakes and the Prix du Moulin before things went so gallingly awry in America.
That is the standard against which Gleneagles must be measured if he is to be recognised as the elite stable's most accomplished miler.
Of course, there is a relative lack of worthy rivals among the older milers, so it is entirely possible that he will further enhance his stock.
Still, he has to go and do it before justifying such critical acclaim.
Bantry Bay strides towards the line (Healy Racing Photos)
Bantry Bay improved on his debut runner-up finish as he ran out a comfortable winner of the mile and two maiden at the Curragh.
The 4/5 favourite, with Ryan Moore in the saddle, raced upsides Aared from the gate. As the pair hit the three pole Chris Hayes on Aared and Moore both started to push their mounts along.<Bantry Bay edged ahead a furlong and a half out and opened up a gap coming to the final furlong.
Moore kept him up to his work as he came in clear of the staying on Ashoka (13/2) in second. Long-time leader Aared (7/1) got a third-placed reward. He was beaten three and three quarter lengths by the winner.
There was plenty of money around for Ashoka this morning as he was backed from 12/1 to 8/1 before going off 13/2.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "He was very green the first day and was still green there. He'll stay further and is a massive big horse. He could be a lovely four-year-old."<Bantry Bay had been beaten a short head by stablemate Bondi Beach in Leopardstown earlier this month.
Moore's treble comprised Air Force Blue, Master Speaker andBantry Bay while O'Brien's double was courtesy of this winner and Air Force Blue.
Air Force Blue, near side, holds Rockaway Valley (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien has been the trainer to follow in the Big Bad Bob European Breeders Fund Maiden at the Curragh and he supplied this year's winner Air Force Blue at 4/1.
The War Front colt broke smartly from stall 11 in this six-furlong contest and was soon at the head of affairs on the stands-side rail. He had three horses on his outside for company - Munshid, Tonkinese and Fisherman's Blues - in the first three furlongs.
Moore kept Air Force Blue up to his work in the final 100 yards as Rockaway Valley(25/1) stayed on strongly to close within a neck at the line. Tonkinese (16/1) was two lengths away in third.
Jim Bolger's Tribal Beat was well backed from 7/4 to 5/4, but the favourite never landed a blow in seventh.
Aidan O'Brien said: "I thought he'd be a bit green like the filly yesterday (Ballydoyle). Ryan said he winged the gates and was there in front. He just got tired in the last 50 yards which is understandable."
When asked about Royal Ascot he said: "He probably didn't learn a lot there and has only had one run. We'll have to see how he comes along."
On yesterday's 2,000 Guineas winner he commented: "Gleneagles is fine this morning. He just went for a walk, and there will be no decision about the Derby for the moment."
Paddy Power introduced Air Force Blue at 14/1 for the Coventry Stakes while BoyleSports put him in their book at 8/1. < Air Force Blue holds entries in the Group One Phoenix Stakes and Group Two Railway Stakes, both at this track.
O'Brien won this race from 2011 to 2013 with Reply, Lines Of Battle and Sir John Hawkins respectively.
Gleneagles is the best miler we've ever had - Aidan O'Brien
Ryan Moore on Gleneagles after winning the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas during the Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival at The Curragh Racecourse
Aidan O'Brien hailed Gleneagles as the "best miler we've had" after he completed a Classic double in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
Ryan Moore had to wait for a gap on the Newmarket Guineas hero, but he was never flustered and once in the clear the 2-5 favourite showed his class as he produced a tremendous turn of foot.
Gleneagles went on to score by three-quarters of a length from Endless Drama, with Ivawood occupying third place, as he did at Newmarket, after looking to have an easy time of it in front for much of the way. Belardo was fourth.
O'Brien said: "I'd be surprised if he ever wins by very far. That's his way and in the long term that will be good for him.
"He's the best miler we've had, I know that. But he wants fast ground to be seen at his best.
"He has the physical appearance and mental attitude to go with it."
The Galileo colt was left in the Investec Derby at the latest forfeit stage, and O'Brien said: "We've got another horse (Giovanni Canaletto) to run tomorrow and the decision will be made in the next week.
"He has always worked like a miler, he's strong and quickens very well.
"He's never had to show the kind of courage before that he showed today.
"The Curragh is a tough mile in that ground. It was very borderline that he ran.
"He had to come when he came and he was courageous. He has a load of pace, as he showed at Newmarket, and might have laboured a bit on that ground. He has a big heart as well as everything else.
"You're never sure until you dip them what courage they have and he had to be courageous today. He wanted it. You can't test them for that. Giant's Causeway had that, he was the very same as that.
"I always thought he was Giant's Causeway with more speed, that's what I thought and today he showed he has that pure Giant's Causeway courage.
"He had a good bit to do from the interchange and the danger was in front. It's not an easy thing to do here at the Curragh.
"To win a Curragh Guineas on slow ground you usually have to get a mile and quarter, so he obviously gets it. Whether he just got it on courage today, I don't know, but we know he has lots of speed.
"We're so lucky to have this track. It's the fairest track in the world and the best horse usually wins. If they go a fair gallop you usually get the opportunities.
"He had to fight for three furlongs and in the last half-furlong Ryan said 'come on, I need you again'.
"Originally the plan was to come here and then go to Ascot. We only gave him three half-speeds since Newmarket as I had the view that you can't put his head to the stone every day.
"The plan was Newmarket, here, Ascot then Goodwood, but the plan could change along the way and the boys will decide.
"When I was going through the forfeits for the Derby I was crossing off all the horses and put a line through him, but the boys said to leave him in.
"I've always thought he was a miler and we haven't had a miler like him in a while, but everyone knows how important the Derby is and obviously if he went there that would forfeit Ascot.
"He's a natural free-sweater, and his dad was like that, but he's not a worrier."
Coolmore supremo John Magnier appeared to suggest the Derby would be unlikely.
He said: "The next thing is probably to think about the St James's Palace. That will probably be the next thing. We will take it step by step.
"We paid for the option (of the Derby), so we are hardly going to declare it today without being clever about it, but it's unlikely.
"We'll have to discuss it with Michael (Tabor), Derrick (Smith), Aidan and all the lads, but it looks pretty obvious."
Moore said: "He didn't have a lot of room, but he had the gears and the class to go through. He put his head down and fought well at the end, he's a very exciting colt.
"I felt I was on the best horse, and when you're on the best horse invariably the gaps come."
Gleneagles eased to an impressive win at the Tattersalls 2,000 Guineas
Gleneagles overcame trouble in running to complete a Classic double in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
Ryan Moore had to wait for a gap on the Newmarket Guineas hero, but he was never flustered and once in the clear the Aidan O'Brien-trained 2-5 favourite showed his class as he produced a tremendous turn of foot.
Richard Hannon's Ivawood looked to have an easy time in front under Richard Hughes, but he was strongly pressed by Endless Drama before Gleneagles burst on the scene.
Gleneagles went on to score by three-quarters of a length from Endless Drama, with Ivawood occupying third place as he did at Newmarket. Belardo was fourth for trainer Roger Varian.
Moore said: "The ground is just slow enough for him and just blunted his pace a bit.
"He didn't have a lot of room, but he had the gears and the class to go through. He put his head down and fought well at the end, he's a very exciting colt.
"I felt I was on the best horse, and when you're on the best horse invariably the gaps come."
The Galileo colt was left in the Investec Derby at the latest forfeit stage, and O'Brien said: "We've got another horse (Giovanni Canaletto) to run tomorrow and the decision will be made in the next week.
"The Curragh is a tough mile in that ground. It was very borderline that he ran" - Aidan O'Brien
"He has always worked like a miler, he's strong and quickens very well.
"He's never had to show the kind of courage before that he showed today.
"The Curragh is a tough mile in that ground. It was very borderline that he ran."
O'Brien went on: "I'm delighted with him. He travelled well and quickened well and Ryan gave him a great ride.
"He had to come when he came and he was courageous. He has a load of pace, as he showed at Newmarket, and might have laboured a bit on that ground. He has a big heart as well as everything else.
"You're never sure until you dip them what courage they have and he had to be courageous today. He wanted it. You can't test them for that.
"He had a good bit to do from the interchange and the danger was in front. It's not an easy thing to do here at the Curragh.
"We're so lucky to have this track. It's the fairest track in the world and the best horse usually wins. If they go a fair gallop you usually get the opportunities.
"He had to fight for three furlongs and in the last half-furlong Ryan said 'come on, I need you again'.
"Originally the plan was to come here and then go to Ascot. We only gave him three half-speeds since Newmarket as I had the view that you can't put his head to the stone every day.
"The plan was Newmarket, here, Ascot then Goodwood, but the plan could change along the way and the boys will decide.
"When I was going through the forfeits for the Derby I was crossing off all the horses and put a line through him, but the boys said to leave him in.
"I've always thought he was a miler and we haven't had a miler like him in a while, but everyone knows how important the Derby is and obviously if he went there that would forfeit Ascot.
"He's a natural free-sweater, and his dad was like that, but he's not a worrier."
Coolmore supremo John Magnier appeared to suggest the Derby would be unlikely.
He said: "The horse has proved he can battle. We are happy really. The ground is a bit softer than he would like. That's the way it is and we're lucky to have it as good as that probably.
"The next thing is probably to think about the St James's Palace. That will probably be the next thing. We will take it step by step.
"We paid for the option (of the Derby), so we are hardly going to declare it today without being clever about it, but it's unlikely.
"We'll have to discuss it with Michael (Tabor), Derrick (Smith), Aidan and all the lads, but it looks pretty obvious."
Gleneagles (centre) beats Endless Drama (right) and Ivawood in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien saddled his tenth winner of the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas asGleneagles extricated himself from a pocket just in time to justify odds of 2/5 at the Curragh.
The Galileo colt became the fourth horse this century to complete the Newmarket/Curragh Guineas double, and is now 4/7 with Paddy Power to follow up at Royal Ascot in the St James's Palace Stakes.
Richard Hughes elected to set the pace on Newmarket third Ivawood, and Gleneagleshad a wall of horses in front of him as the leader kicked for home over two furlongs out.
However Ryan Moore, who partnered Gleneagles' sister Marvellous to land the Irish 1,000 Guineas 12 months ago and was recording his first success in this race, found a gap just in time and got down to serious work on the hot-pot.
The Ballydoyle trained colt struck the front about 100 yards out and stayed on wel to beat Endless Drama by three quarters of a length, with Ivawood another half-length away in third.
O'Brien said, "I was a little worried as the ground was as slow as he wanted. If the good had gone out of it he wouldn't have run as he's a fast ground horse.
"I'm delighted with him. He travelled well and quickened well and Ryan gave him a great ride.
"He had to come when he came and he was courageous. He has a load of pace as he showed at Newmarket and might have laboured a bit on that ground. He has a big heart as well as everything else.
"You're never sure until you dip them what courage they have and he had to be courageous today. He wanted it. You can't test them for that.
"He had a good bit to do from the interchange and the danger was in front. It's not an easy thing to do here at the Curragh.
"We're so lucky to have this track. It's the fairest track in the world and the best horse usually wins. If they go a fair gallop you usually get the opportunities.
"He had to fight for three furlongs and in the last half furlong Ryan said come on I need you again.
"Originally the plan was to come here and then go to Ascot. We only gave him three half speeds since Newmarket as I had the view that you can't put his head to the stone everyday.
"The plan was Newmarket, here, Ascot then Goodwood but the plan could change along the way and the boys will decide.
"When I was going through the forfeits for the Derby I was crossing off all the horses and put a line through him but the boys said to leave him in.
"I've always thought he was a miler and we haven't had a miler like him in a while but everyone knows how important the Derby and obviously if he went there that would forfeit Ascot.
"He's a natural free sweater, and his dad was like that, but he's not a worrier."
Moore said, "That ground is just slow enough for him. He didn't have a lot of room but he had the gears and the class to go through. He put his head down and he fought well at the end. He's a very exciting colt.
"I felt I was on the best horse, and when you are invariably the gaps will come."
Endless Drama's trainer Ger Lyons said, "It's all systems go for the St James's Palace subject to everything being okay.
"He showed he gets a mile well and it took what Aidan says is the best he's had for a while to beat him.
"He needs to be dropped in and ridden like that. In a good race you can do that. He should improve again. Convergence also ran a blinder."
Aidan O'Brien expects Found to show significant improvement from her reappearance when she contests the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday.
A hugely impressive winner of the Prix Marcel Boussac last autumn, she was winter favourite for the Newmarket Guineas but met with a setback at a critical time, meaning O'Brien dare not risk her in the Classic first time out.
Instead, she ran in the Athasi Stakes just a day later, but she was beaten by the outsider Iveagh Gardens, despite travelling like the best horse in the race and looking sure to win at one stage.
Stablemates Kissed By Angels and Qualify also run in the Classic.
O'Brien told Irish Horse TV: "Found had a lovely run first time back but got tired in bad ground. She seems to be in good form since.
"Kissed By Angels won her trial in Leopardstown very easily and Qualify had a disappointing run in the Guineas (at Newmarket), but we think she'll leave that well behind."
Mick Halford was forced to miss Newmarket with Raydara but hopes that might work in his favour for Sunday's contest.
Owned by the Aga Khan, Raydara was right up there with the best of her generation last season, winning the Debutante Stakes.
That victory came at the expense of Jim Bolger's Lucida, who went on to claim Group Two glory at the end of last season before finishing second to Legatissimo in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
"The plan was to go to Newmarket for the 1000 Guineas, but she just wasn't sparking at the time and we said we would just wait for this weekend," said Halford.
"She has been to the racecourse for a gallop and I'm happy with her. She is a clear-winded filly and an easy filly to get right.
"Her form from the Debutante Stakes looks rock-solid and was well advertised in the English Guineas, so you'd be hopeful she could run a nice race, but a Classic is a Classic.
"I walked a couple of furlongs of it (the Curragh, on Thursday) and it's drying up nicely. Hopefully it will stay that way to the weekend.
"Her form is there. It's the 1,000 Guineas and there's plenty of dangers, but she's in good form so we'll hope for a bit of luck."
Aidan O'Brien rates Gleneagles' raw speed as his biggest weapon ahead of his bid to complete a Classic double in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas.
The Galileo colt was a stunning winner of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket three weeks ago and is long odds-on to repeat the feat in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh.
O'Brien believes the three-year-old is a rare breed in that he has inherited a range of talents from various members of his esteemed family.
The Ballydoyle handler told Irish Horse TV: "He's a very good horse. He's very like Giant's Causeway, really, but he probably would have more speed. That's the way we would rate him at the moment.
"He's a very well-made horse - not too big and not too small. He has a great step to him, a lovely head and a lovely mind.
"He travels very well in his races and quickens well. When he gets there he doesn't do a lot, but he's very professional.
"The most important thing in any horse is speed, and he has loads of it. He goes through his races very easy and goes where he wants to go whenever he wants to go.
"It (Newmarket) was perfect for him as it was lovely, fast ground and there was plenty of pace on. The first seven furlongs were all 11-second furlongs and he travelled very comfortable at that and quickened off it - that's very unusual.
"He hasn't done a lot, it's only three weeks since. He had an easy week after and then he did three half-speed (workouts) and seems in good form. He has a great constitution and eats, sleeps and does himself very well.
"He's a combination of his whole pedigree on both sides, which is very unusual. We'd love to keep him on good ground or better, so hopefully the ground will be good and we'll look forward to Saturday."
Gleneagles, the mount of Ryan Moore, is joined by stable companions Smuggler's Cove (Seamie Heffernan) and The Warrior (Joseph O'Brien) as the trainer bids for a 10th success in the race.
Found: rumoured to be supplemented for Derby if winning 1,000 Guineas
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
Found leads O'Brien 1,000 Guineas trio
BY DAVID BAXTER11:00AM 22 MAY 2015
FOUND heads 18 fillies and is one of three runners for Aidan O'Brien in Sunday's Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas following Friday's declarations stage.
A 9-4 chance for the Curragh Classic, Found has also been added to the Investec Derby ante-post market, with Ladbrokes introducing her at 10-1 on Thursday, while bet365 offer 12-1.
Stablemates Kissed By Angels and Qualify complete O'Brien's trio, as the trainer attempts to follow up last year's win with Marvellous.
Outstanding and Wedding Vow - also trained by O'Brien - and Teosroyal were the three fillies scratched on Friday morning, with Raydara, Pleascach and Devonshire all standing their ground.
A quality field of six was left in for the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, with Al Kazeem facing Fascinating Rock, Highly Toxic, Parish Hall, Postponed and The Grey Gatsby.
Eddie Lynam elected to keep Sole Power in Ireland this weekend rather than head to Haydock for the betfred.com Temple Stakes, and the sprinter faces eight in the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes.
Gordon Lord Byron, Astaire, Jamesie and Maarek are among the opposition in the Group 2.
Aidan O'Brien's Newmarket hero Gleneagles heads a field of 11 declared for the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.
The son of Galileo, who bids to join an illustrious band of colts to complete the Guineas double, has been allotted stall two and will again be ridden by Ryan Moore.
O'Brien also saddles Smuggler's Cove (Seamie Heffernan) and The Warrior (Joseph O'Brien) as he attempts to land the prize for a record 10th time.
Ivawood, who finished third behind Gleneagles at Newmarket, renews rivalry.
Richard Hannon's speedy colt is joined by stable companion Lexington Times.
There is a third British challenger in the Roger Varian-trained Dewhurst winner Belardo, who disappointed on his seasonal debut in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury last month.
Ger Lyons is double-handed with Convergence and Endless Drama, with the list completed by Carbon Dating, Mohaayed and Tombelaine.
Aidan O'Brien, who already has a record-breaking seven winners to his name in the Investec Coronation Cup, has Tapestry as his sole remaining representative in the Group One middle-distance showpiece for older horses at Epsom on June 6.
The four-year-old filly, who lowered the colours of last year's Oaks heroine Taghrooda in the Yorkshire Oaks last season, has not run since finishing unplaced in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Also among the 13 horses remaining at the latest acceptance stage is Andre Fabre's Flintshire.
He was second best behind Treve in the Arc in October and also filled the same position in this race last summer when Cirrus Des Aigles got his measure.
Corine Barande-Barbe's admirable gelding, who is set to run in the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp on Sunday, is in line for a repeat, with France further represented by the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained Dolniya. She defeated Flintshire to claim the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in March.
Ed Dunlop's globe-trotter Red Cadeaux, second to St Nicholas Abbey in the 2012 renewal, could try again.
"It is a race under consideration - his next run is likely to be at either Epsom or Royal Ascot. We will see how he is nearer the time," said Dunlop.
"He is on the comeback trail at the moment after returning from his latest world travels."
Completing the baker's dozen are Arab Spring, Pether's Moon, Romsdal, Secret Gesture, Just The Judge, Sheikhzayedroad, Ayrad and Free Eagle.
Coolmore have purchased the breeding rights to dual classic winner American Pharoah and he will stand at Ashford Stud on his retirement from racing. He will continue to race in the colours of Zayat Stables who own 100% of the horseâÂÂs racing rights.
âÂÂWhatever happens in the Belmont, American Pharoah is an outstanding sire prospect, said Ashford Stud Manager Dermot Ryan. âÂÂHeâÂÂs already a champion two-year-old and has won his first four starts at three by over 30 lengths. ItâÂÂs very exciting to think about how much more he might achieve.âÂÂ
American Pharoah: dual Classic winner will stand at Coolmore's US base
PICTURE: equisport
American Pharoah to join Coolmore roster
BY LEWIS PORTEOUS2:55PM 20 MAY 2015
TRIPLE CROWN contender American Pharoah has become the latest high-profile acquisition by breeding giants Coolmore after it was revealed the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner will stand at Coolmore's Ashford Stud in Kentucky when he retires.
After announcing on Tuesday that he had sold American Pharoah's breeding rights after receiving an offer described as "too good to pass up", owner Ahmed Zayat confirmed Coolmore to be the successful bidders on Wednesday.
Zayat tweeted: "Proud to announce that new home of American Pharoah after he retires will be Ashford."
American Pharoah will bid to become the first US Triple Crown winner in 37 years when he contests the Belmont Stakes next month and will continue to carry the colours of his owner-breeder, who has retained the horse's racing rights.
The son of Pioneerof The Nile has won five races at the highest level for Bob Baffert, the last of which came in the Preakness when he made all under Victor Espinoza to win by seven lengths.
Even if he succeeds at Belmont, American Pharoah will not be retired immediately according to Zayat.
The news come hot on the heels of Coolemore's acquisition of Golden Slipper winner Vancouver in a deal reported to value the Gai Waterhouse-trained two-year-old at more than A$40 million (ã20.4 million).
Coolmore acquire Pharoah
Last Updated: May 20 2015, 14:16 BST
American Pharoah will stand at Coolmore's Ashford Stud in Kentucky when he retires from racing.
American Pharoah: Will retire to Coolmore Stud
Winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the Bob Baffert-trained colt will shoot for a place in the history books when he lines up in the final leg of the triple crown, the Belmont Stakes, on June 6.
The son of Pioneerof The Nile is owned by Zayat Stables and they have confirmed Ashford have acquired the breeding rights for the five-time Grade One winner when his racing days are over.
Ahmed Zayat tweeted: "Proud to announce that new home of American Pharoah after he retires will be Ashford."
Gleneagles winning at Newmarket (Healy Racing Photos)
This weekend marks the return of Classic action at the Curragh with Aidan O'Brien's Gleneagles bidding to become just the fourth horse this century to complete the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas double in Saturday's Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas.
The Ballydoyle trained colt is one of 16 in the list of entries for the opening Classic of the Irish season on what promises to be a cracking weekend of high class action at Irish flat racing headquarters.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien said on Tuesday morning: "Gleneagles has been in good form since Newmarket and we are looking forward to running on Saturday at the Curragh. We will decide a little later in the week what else we will run in the 2,000 Guineas."
Adding plenty of depth to the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas is Britain's champion trainer, Richard Hannon, who intends on running Ivawood, who was third behind Gleneagles at Newmarket, and possibly his stable companion Lexington Times, while Roger Varian's Group 1 winning Dewhurst Stakes winner Belardo is another intriguing runner.
Ger Lyons is responsible for three of the 16 with Cappella Sansevero, Convergence and Endless Drama all left in ahead of Thursday morning's declaration stage.
Giovanni Canaletto: has yet to put his Investec Derby claims to the test
PICTURE: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)
Canaletto set to trial for Epsom at the Curragh
BY TONY O'HEHIR7:20AM 18 MAY 2015
GIOVANNI CANALETTO, who was unable to take up his intended Investec Derby trial at Chester due to an unclean scope, could get his chance to advertise his Epsom claims at the Curragh this weekend.
The Ballydoyle team has experienced mixed fortunes in the Derby trials, with the victories of Hans Holbein at Chester and Kilimanjaro at Lingfield being followed by the disappointing performance of John F Kennedy and Ol' Man River in the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.
Giovanni Canaletto, whose Epsom odds vary from 7-1 to 16-1, won a mile Leopardstown maiden by six and a half lengths on his second and final juvenile start in October and was due to reappear in the Chester Vase won easily by Hans Holbein.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien said on Sunday: "We're looking at running Giovanni Canaletto in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. We'll see how he gets on, then make a decision about Epsom."
O'Brien said Gleneagles is on course to bid for a 2,000 Guineas double at the Curragh on Saturday, and reiterated the Newmarket Classic winner would not become involved in plans for the Derby.
"Gleneagles is in good form and will run in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas if the ground doesn't get soft," said O'Brien.
"There's no question of him running in the Derby. I'm sure we'll run a few others with Gleneagles in the Irish Guineas, but we won't be making plans until midweek."
Jinsha Lake comes in front under Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Jinsha Lake provided Aidan and Joseph O'Brien with a double on the card (earlier won with Ivanovich Gorbatov) as he took the concluding Pour Moi EBF Maiden.
The son of Galileo finished second on his debut over the course and distance last October and he was sent off the 11/8 favourite to go one place better today.
Settled behind the leaders he was ridden to challenge over two furlongs out and he hit the front a furlong and a half from home.
He kept on well from there, stretching clear to score by a length and a half at the line.
Fields Of Athenry is clear in Dundalk (Healy Racing Photos)
Fields Of Athenry created a big impression when hacking up in Dundalk's extended mile and two maiden for three-year-olds under Seamie Heffernan for trainer Aidan O'Brien.
The 4/1 chance made all and galloped away from 4/6 favourite Game Set Dash with less than a quarter of a mile to go. He stayed on strongly to take the honours by five and a half lengths. It was a further six lengths back to Infinite Loop in third.
Seamie Heffernan said: "I was impressed with him."
Donnacha O'Brien added: "He's been impressive at home. He'll get further. He's going the right way and perhaps we could look at a Listed race."<Fields Of Athenry had run once before, as a two-year-old in a seven furlong Cork maiden last October in which he finished seventh of 15.
He sported a hood for the first time this evening.
Golden Horn (red cap) beats Jack Hobbs and Elm Park, with the remainder well beaten (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien was left scratching his head after his duo in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York trailed home a long way behind impressive winner Golden Horn.
O'Brien fielded both Ol' Man River and John F Kennedy but the pair were outpaced when the race began in earnest, finishing second to last and last of the seven runners respectively.
John F Kennedy had previously suffered a surprise defeat on his reappearance, while Ol' Man River had been last in the 2000 Guineas, where he was eased when his chance had gone.
O'Brien said: "We're disappointed. There's obviously something amiss with both of them at the moment.
"Ryan (Moore) said JFK travelled very well and then just cut out. He did that at Leopardstown and we put it down to the ground, but there's obviously something else.
"We cant find anything wrong with them at home. All the tests had been ticked off, so there'll be no Epsom for them. We will stop with them now and give them a break.
"As for what we will run in the Derby, we will see what happens in the next two weeks. Those three pulled a long way clear there and I would imagine that their trainers were very happy."
O'Brien completed ruled out any notion of 2000 Guineas winner Gleneagles stepping up in trip for the Derby, comparing him favourably with Giant's Causeway who notched a string of five Group One wins back in 2000.
He said: "There's no way Gleneagles will be going to Epsom. We haven't had a horse like him for a long time. He's an out-and-out miler but with more speed than Giant's Causeway."
Together Forever (left) battles it out with Star Of Seville at York (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien says Together Forever is more than likely to take her chance in the Investec Oaks at Epsom next month.
Having won the Fillies' Mile on her final appearance last season, the three-year old put in an encouraging performance when giving weight away to all of her rivals to finish a close-up second over her first try at a mile and a quarter in the Musidora Stakes at York on Wednesday.
O'Brien said: She ran well and we're happy with her.
"It was a nice start and it looks like she will get further, she was coming home well.
"Hopefully if everything goes well I'd imagine she'll go to Epsom."
While a trip back across the Irish Sea is on the cards for Together Forever, O'Brien has stressed Found will look to get her career back on track in the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the end of the month.
Found could be one of several entries in the mile event for the Ballydoyle master.
O'Brien said: "We're looking at the Irish Guineas for Found and, so far, everything seems perfect.
"It looks like Kissed By Angels and Qualify could go there.
"Fluff had a slight setback and will probably not be back until the autumn.
"Words won't make it (to the Curragh) and might make Ascot."
Aidan O'Brien is hoping for better performances from John F Kennedy and Ol' Man River at York
Aidan O'Brien tends not to target the Dante Stakes with his leading Derby contenders but the York Group Two could today decide the destinies of both John F Kennedy and Ol' Man River.
Aidan O'Brien has endured mixed fortunes with his Classic hopes so far this year and John F Kennedy and Ol' Man River are both on retrieval missions after flopping in the Ballysax Stakes and Qipco 2000 Guineas respectively.
The drying ground on the Knavesmire is expected to bring out much better performances from the pair, who were Group-race winners as two-year-olds.
O'Brien said: "They are both coming into it off disappointing runs.
"John F Kennedy disappointed at Leopardstown, but it was a while ago and the ground was heavy. Hopefully he can leave that run behind.
"Ol' Man River disappointed in the Guineas, but maybe he wasn't ready mentally and it was probably the wrong thing to run him.
"A mile and a quarter on nice ground - we'll learn a lot more about him. Joseph (O'Brien) knew it was his first run of the season and wasn't going to give him a hard time. Hopefully he'll run well."
Outstanding and Seamie Heffernan are clear of Catalyst in the closing stages (Healy Racing Photos)
Outstanding, who is a full-sister to Magician, sent favourite backers home happy as she took the last at Naas, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.
Trained by Aidan O'Brien (completing a double after the earlier success of The Happy Prince) and ridden by Seamie Heffernan the daughter of Galileo was sent off the 5/2 market leader.
Prominent in the early stages she improved to lead five furlongs out. She was ridden to extend her advantage under two furlongs from home and she soon went clear, going on to score by two and a quarter lengths.
Newcomer Catalyst, who was available at 50's this morning, ran a fine race to finish second at just 12/1 under Fran Berry for Paddy Twomey.
The Brendan Duke trained Renea (20/1) was a further four and three parts of a length back in third under Ronan Whelan.
Seamie Heffernan said afterwards: "She had two good runs last year and has progressed. It's nice when they improve race to race.
"She's not slow and I'd be hanging around that trip for a while. We've a few stayers!"
The Happy Prince is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat Penny Pepper (Healy Racing Photos)
The Happy Prince made virtually all as he took the Woodlands 100 Club Handicap underJoseph O'Brien for his father Aidan.
The son of Rip Van Winkle won his maiden at Limerick last month before going down by just half a length to Postulation on his next start at Dundalk.
Making his debut in handicap company this evening he was available at 7/2 in a place this morning, opening on-course at just 15/8 before going off the clear 7/4 favourite.
Sent to the front after a furlong he was ridden two furlongs out, drifting right inside the final furlong and slightly impeding the runner-up, Penny Pepper, in the process.
Once straightened up he kept on well and went on to score by half a length.
A Stewards Enquiry was called shortly after they past the post but the result remained unaltered.
2015 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes ( Group 3 ) Replay
Star just holds off Forever in Musidora
Wed 13th May 2015, 16:22
Star Of Seville (right) just holds off Together Forever (Healy Racing Photos)
Together Forever made a cracking comeback and only just failed as Star Of Seville scrambled home to hand trainer John Gosden a fourth win in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York
Just like when scoring on her reappearance at Newbury, the daughter of Duke Of Marmalade was sent straight into the lead in the mile-and-a-quarter contest by Frankie Dettori.
As the race entered the closing stages, the 4-6 favourite looked to have put the race to bed when kicking a couple of lengths clear from the front.
But just as Star Of Seville appeared to have done enough, Aidan O'Brien's Together Forever, who was giving away 4lb to her rivals, started to eat up the ground inside the final furlong and a half under a determined Ryan Moore.
The task proved to be just beyond last year's Fillies' Mile winner, with Star Of Seville clinging on to victory by a head, securing her ticket to the Investec Oaks on June 5.
Dettori said: "I think she just lost concentration and I was waiting for the others a bit. I was worried as well, but then she pulled her neck out again. Even though she is good, she is a bit quirky, like most good ones are.
"I am sure she will get a mile and a half, as she is very good and very talented.
"There is plenty to come. John has only used this as a prep race - the big one comes in three weeks' time."
Together Forever Ran A cracker in the musidora giving the winner 4 pounds in weight only beat by a head. The oaks trip looks perfect for her now and Betvic trim her price into 7/1 alot to like about her reappearance. Ryan was delighted with the run. "she will come on for the run and will be better over further"
Aidan O'Brien will be hoping he can plunder another Classic trial when his Together Forever seeks to lay down her Epsom Oaks claims at York tomorrow when she takes on four rivals in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes.
The Ballydoyle supremo's Group One-winning filly - as low as 12/1 for the Oaks - beat the classy Agnes Stewart in the Fillies' Mile at Newmarket in October and has not been seen since.
Nick Littmoden's highly-tried maiden Amaze Me will be among the challengers, having run a promising race when third in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket earlier this month. John Gosden's Jazzi Top won that trial and he sends Star Of Seville north to contest another of the noted Classic trials.
Pandora was a very impressive winner of a maiden on her first outing at 25/1 in the colours of Robert Ogden for Charlie Hills, but this represents a significant step up in class. The field is completed by Richard Fahey's La Dorotea, which has made great strides on the all-weather in the winter.
On the same card, Eddie Lynam will be hoping Gathering Power can join the league of his other sprinter stars when she lines up in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stake.
The five-year-old mare has shown gradual progress and fully deserves her chance, given she was only beaten three lengths by Gordon Lord Byron on Champions Day at Ascot.
Considering Lynam already has Sole Power, Anthem Alexander and new inmate Moviesta on his books, Gathering Power's entry in this Group Two carries considerable interest.
The highly-rated Muthmir makes his seasonal reappearance over a course and distance which he won on last July. William Haggas' promising sprinter was fifth in the Stewards' Cup before bolting up in the Portland at Doncaster, looking a Group-class sprinter in the making.
Kevin Ryan's Astaire has bounced back to his blistering two-year-old form this season, finishing second in the Cammidge Trophy and winning the Abernant Stakes, but his task is made tougher by a penalty.
Lightning Moon was unbeaten last season for Ed Walker and will be looking to maintain his record in the Godolphin silks, with Sheikh Mohammed buying the colt after his win at Ascot last season.
Mattmu is an interesting contender for Tim Easterby. Only three, he was second to Limato in Redcar's Two-Year-Old Trophy and signed off a good first season winning a Group Two in France.
Marco Botti's Naadirr looked a much-improved performer when winning the Cammidge on his reappearance and appears another major player. Mick Easterby's Aetna, the George Margarson-trained Lucky Kristale and French challenger Gammarth, trained by Henri-Alex Pantall, are also among the declarations.
John F Kennedy and Ol' Man River try to redeem their reputations in the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.
Ol' Man River was tailed off in the Qipco 2000 Guineas, won by his stable companion Gleneagles, after being heavily eased down by Joseph O'Brien.
John F Kennedy was deposed as Investec Derby favourite after he became stuck in the testing conditions when a well-beaten last of three to Success Days in the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown.
Jack Hobbs, ante-post favourite for the Derby, is also one of several highly-rated horses putting their claims for the premier Classic on the line. John Gosden's colt is taking a big leap in grade, having won a maiden and a handicap in convincing fashion.
The Newmarket handler has a second string to his bow in Golden Horn, who is also unbeaten having made a winning reappearance in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket last month.
Jack Hobbs heads the market for the Grade Two trial on the Knavesmire ahead of Elm Park, winner of the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October.
He missed the 2000 Guineas because the ground was deemed to be too fast and was switched by trainer Andrew Balding to this race instead.
The Barry Hills-trained Nafaqa waited for the Dante after being a late withdrawal from last week's Dee Stakes at Chester because of the rain-softened ground.
Chester Vase third Medrano and Lord Ben Stack make up a field of eight.
Group One winner Together Forever adds a touch of class to a small but select field of five in Wednesday's Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York.
Aidan O'Brien's filly beat the classy Agnes Stewart in the Fillies' Mile at Newmarket in October and has not been seen since.
She is as low as 12-1 for the Investec Oaks.
Nick Littmoden's Amaze Me might be a five-race maiden but she ran a promising race in third in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket earlier this month.
John Gosden's Jazzi Top won that trial and he sends Star Of Seville north to contest another of the noted Classic trials.
Pandora was a very impressive winner of a maiden on her first outing at 25-1 in the colours of Sir Robert Ogden for Charlie Hills, but this represents a significant step up in class.
The field is completed by Richard Fahey's La Dorotea, who has made great strides on the all-weather in the winter.
The People's Gallery Update David Betts Visit to Leopardstown 10/05/2015 > http://www.aidanobrienfansite.com/the-peoples-gallery.php ⦠Great pics Of Kissed By Angels Bondi, Geoff, Cradle Mountain & Bantry Bay Many Thanks to David
Bondi Beach, number 3, comes to collar Bantry Bay (Healy Racing Photos)
Bondi Beach got up in the shadow of the post to nail stablemate and odds on favouriteBantry Bay in the mile and a half maiden at Leopardstown.
Unraced Bantry Bay, from Aidan O'Brien's stable, was all the rage with punters being backed from 9/4 to 6/4 this morning and from evens to 10/11 at the track.
He broke well and Joseph O'Brien put him into the lead. At the four pole he was still lobbing away while Master Manipulator was pushed along in second. At this stage Seamie Heffernan raced in fifth on fellow newcomerBondi Beach on the inner. <Bondi Beach then improved into second over two furlongs out as Joseph O'Brien asked Bantry Bay to go and win the race. He was three lengths clear with a furlong and a half to go, however,Bondi Beach made stealthy headway under hands and heels to cut into the lead in the final furlong. He dropped his head in front on the line to the joy of those who took the 7/1.
Barnacle Bill was placed in third at 12/1 on his debut.
Seamie Heffernan said: "They are two nice horses. One is a front-runner and one can't get to the front. I got to the front when I wanted to."
This gave Aidan O'Brien and Heffernan a double on the day as they teamed up withKissed By Angels in the 1,000 Guineas trial.
Kissed By Angels took a marked step up in class in the Group Three Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial in her stride by powering home by three and a half lengths.
Seamie Heffernan settled the 13/2 shot in mid-division, but on the approach to the straight she took closer order in second behind Red Ivy.
As Red Ivy came off the bridle,Kissed By Angels surged to the front with just over two furlongs to race. She quickly asserted and was a couple of lengths up on Storm Fly coming to the final furlong of this mile contest.
The winner kept up the gallop as Storm Fly could find no more in the last half furlong. It was left to Devonshire to stay on for second at 7/1, beaten three and a half lengths. Storm Fly, the 7/4 favourite, came in third.
Seamie Heffernan said: "She's made good progress and improved a lot from her first run. I was a bit disappointed with her at Limerick.
"She travelled and quickened. The last day she didn't know what to do. Hopefully she'll keep making progress from each run."<Kissed By Angels had run once before in a Limerick maiden last month in which she finished second to Back On Top.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien is in France at the French 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas at Longchamp today.
Paddy Power cut Kissed By Angels to 14/1 from 33/1 for the Oaks.
Cape Clear Island came up just short as he attempted to land the Prix Hocquart at Longchamp for the Aidan O'Brien team.
He had to settle for second place behind Andre Fabre's promising colt Ampere, a son of Galileo who won at the same track on his debut last month.
Ryan Moore settled Cape Clear Island in third of the five runners for most of the way in the Group Two contest and challenged for the lead after turning into the straight, where Ampere also made his move.
The pair went past long-time leader Canndal and engaged in a short duel, with Cape Clear Island holding the advantage at first until Ampere wore him down and passed the post about a length clear.
O'Brien's other runner Royal Navy Ship could never get in a blow and was well beaten in fourth place.
This was Cape Clear Island's third run of the campaign as last month he won a valuable sales race at Newmarket and then finished second in the Sandown Classic Trial.
World's best jockey will give Coolmore team an extra edge
Ian McClean
PUBLISHED10/05/2015 | 02:30
'Ryan Moore can commonly be regarded as the best rider in the world today, riding at the peak of his powers'
It's a basic physics equation. Six foot does not go into nine stone. It's unfortunate. However, the laws of nature eventually trump even the most stubbornly determined will of man, and Joseph O'Brien is just the latest to have succumbed to the intransigence of nature's scales.
Far from writing a premature postscript to a riding career still in its relative infancy, it is rather to acknowledge instead the greater realities.
Most jockeys fail to record even a single Group One victory in their career, but in addition to his two wins in the Epsom Derby, O'Brien, not yet 22, has also enjoyed success in the Irish Derby, at the Breeders' Cup and on World Cup night in Dubai. There yet may be more to follow, but for the meantime the pick of the Coolmore crop will be partnered by Ryan Moore.
O'Brien junior was the latest name engraved on one of the most distinguished rosters of jockeys ever retained by any patron in the history of the sport. Previous incumbents, idols like Roche, Kinane, Spencer, Fallon, Murtagh each occupied the top spot at Ballydoyle for a time. Rarely, if ever, has one operation commanded such a roll-call of horsemanship in its tenure. Ryan Moore is the latest name to join the already elite list.
From Epsom to Santa Anita, Sha Tin, Moonee Valley, Meydan and Kyoto, Moore can commonly be regarded as the best rider in the world today, riding at the peak of his powers. His recent alliance with Coolmore has exploded from the blocks in the best possible way, with a rare Guineas double at Newmarket last weekend followed by victory in both the Cheshire Oaks and the Vase at Chester's cardinal fixture.
Horse racing perennially suffers from an identity crisis, with its split personality of sport on one side and business on the other vying for supremacy. Even at grassroots, there are economic realities to participating in the sport. The humblest breeder or trainer needs to balance the books. After all, there is no sport in going broke.
At the Coolmore level, competing globally, stakes are far higher and the margin for error far smaller. Not for nothing does the world's pre-eminent bloodstock operation choose to employ arguably the greatest racehorse trainer of all time. It stands to reason then that in concert with the best trainer, it should align itself to the best jockey of the time.
After all, even the purest bloodstock genetic selection and the most meticulous preparation can be undone in an instant through pilot error. Retaining Moore is simply increasing your percentages.
Which doesn't imply Ryan Moore is infallible (see Telescope's defeat in the Jockey Club Stakes), just that he engages more of what Deepak Chopra calls "spontaneous right action" in the heat of the moment than any other Flat rider.
For his new employers, a photo-finish verdict either way can add or subtract â¬10m to the value of a stallion - it is the ability in the red heat of the most crucial semi-seconds to be able to make the intuitive right choices in the right way at precisely the right time, all on the fly that makes a jockey invaluable.
By parallel, what is it worth to have Lionel Messi on your side when, after 77 minutes of a more ruggedly dour encounter than Mayweather v Pacquiao, he plucks an orchid out of brambles and defies the best 'keeper in the world at his near post; only to follow up three minutes later by tormenting Jerome Boateng into an interpretative dance version of a giant falling maple as the pixie Argentinian lumberjack dinks the ball past Neuer for a second time, on this occasion with his weaker foot. Like all genius in the sporting arena, it brings tears of disbelief to your eyes. And in the commercial arena, it is worth millions.
Ryan Moore creates such demand that although he has prioritised Coolmore and Ballydoyle, his previous boss, Michael Stoute, continues to use his services nonetheless.
The rarest talents are capable of commanding such "unreasonable" terms - supported by the pragmatic view of "better have him riding for you some of the time than against you all of the time". Ruby Walsh managed it for many years with the pick of Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins from both sides of the Irish Sea.
While Coolmore have got their man, JP McManus is still on the hunt to fill the chasm left by AP McCoy. The choice of McCoy was an obvious one when he made the Ulsterman an offer he couldn't refuse back in 2004 and the jockey more than proved the worth of the investment time and again during the 11 years since. Small wonder JP is taking his time to decide. After all, there is so much riding on it.
Highland Reel: Derby hope is having his first run of the season
PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com)
Highland Reel faces test of Derby credentials
BY SCOTT BURTON7:15PM 9 MAY 2015
Preview: France, Sunday (2.08pm BST)
Longchamp: Poule d'Essai des Poulains (Group 1) 1m, 3yo colts
COOLMORE will be hoping that Investec Derby hope Highland Reel (Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore) can avoid the fate of stablemates John F Kennedy, Ol' Man River and Sir Isaac Newton, all of whom vacated the upper reaches of the Epsom betting when performing below expectations this season.
The son of Galileo was last seen when impressing in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood last July, and is the choice of Ryan Moore over stablemate War Envoy (Colm O'Donoghue).
Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Highland Reel and War Envoy We're very pleased with Highland Reel and have had this race in mind for some time for his first run of the season. He's got quite a good draw [seven]. He showed plenty of ability last year and we're hoping for a good run. If he runs well there will be plenty of options for him. War Envoy has plenty of experience but has never shown on the track the sort of ability he shows at home. We're letting him take his chance and he has a good draw
Kilimanjaro ridden by Ryan Moore goes on to win the betfred.com Derby Trial Stakes
Aidan O'Brien secured a fourth victory in the betfred.com Derby Trial Stakes as Kilimanjaro came from off the pace to win the Listed event at Lingfield.
Although only winning a maiden at Dundalk15 days ago, the 5-1 shot put himself in the Investec Derby picture when grinding out victory in the extended one-mile-three-furlong contest to continue O'Brien's recent domination of Classic trials.
Settled out the back early on by Ryan Moore, the son of High Chaparral gradually warmed to his task, joining long time leader Magic Dancer on the run down to the final furlong at the same time as odds-on favourite Christophermarlowe saw his brief challenge come to an end.
Although taking his time to assert over the Ralph Beckett-trained runner-up, he eventually got the better of the battle to go on and take the Listed contest by a length and a quarter.
Following the race both Betfred and Paddy Power cut Kilimanjaro's odds to 20-1 for the Epsom Classic on 6 June.
Paul Smith, who was representing winning owners Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and John Magnier, said: "That was really good. He's progressing all the time.
"He settled beautifully and he is learning the job quite quickly.
"When he hit the front he had a little look around. He's got a very nice attitude and I suppose he's in the Derby picture now.
"He's honest and is trier which is important."
Moore said: "He's done it nicely and we just took our time. I settled him out the back. He had a lot to do turning for home, but he steadily picked up and he was a bit idle when he got to the front.
"He only won a maiden a couple of weeks ago and it's all happening quite fast for him. He's a nice, progressive colt and he's improving in leaps and bounds.
"To make up that ground in the straight at Lingfield, it's not an easy place to do that."
John Gosden was quick to suggest that the easier ground was the reason behind the surprise defeat of Christophermarlowe, who was eased out to 33-1 by Betfred for the Investec Derby.
The Newmarket handler said: "He was never going on the ground. As he's by Tapit, he wants it fast and the ground was too dead for him today."
Kilimanjaro seen here winning at Dundalk (Healy Racing Photos)
Kilimanjaro wore down the long-time leader Magic Dancer to strike for the Aidan O'Brien team in the betfred.com Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield.
Ryan Moore had to work hard on the quirky son of High Chaparral to get on top in the closing stages, and it was only in the final strides that Kilimanjaro (5-1) asserted to take this Listed race by a length and a quarter.
Christophermarlowe, the 2-5 favourite and wearing the same colours as the winner, flattered to deceive as his challenge petered out, and he could finish only third.
THE Christophermarlowe bubble well and truly burst as the bookmakers' fifth choice for the Investec Derby bombed out in the Lingfield Derby Trial as Ryan Moore came up trumps on the Aidan O'Brien-trained Kilimanjaro.
John Gosden's unbeaten son of Tapit came into the race as a 14-1 shot for the Epsom Classic, but while he disappointed owner Michael Tabor's colours were still carried to victory as Kilimanjaro ground down the long-time leader Magic Dancer, whose trainer Ralph Beckett again also had to settle for second in the earlier Oaks Trial.
Magic Dancer set an genuine gallop and Frankie Dettori had Christophermarlowe well placed on his quarters but he simply wasn't good enough and as Pat Dobbs kicked clear on the eventual second it was only Ryan Moore who was capable of going with him.
The two battled it out over the final two furlongs, with little between the pair, but in the final half-furlong Kilimanjaro eventually began to assert.
"He did it nicely," said Moore. "We took our time and he settled beautifully. We didn't go mad and had a lot to do turning for home, but he kept steadily picking up and when we got to the front he was just a little bit idle.
"I was really happy with him. He's got a good attitude. He only won a maiden a couple of weeks ago and this is all happening quite fast, but he's a nice progressive horse and I think he'll have a good year. He wasn't stopping and had done well to make up all that ground in the straight."
Asked if the winner could be a Derby horse, Moore added: "I would think they will take him home and have a look, and then take it from there. He wasn't stopping and had done well to make up all that ground in the straight. "
Of the disappointing favourite, Frankie Dettori said: "The ground was too soft. He's American bred and didn't go on it at all."
Betfred reacted by cutting the winner to 20-1 (from 66) for the Derby, while they also pushed Christophermarlowe out to 33-1 (from 14). William Hill cut Kilimanjaro to 25-1 and pushed the Gosden colt out to the same price.
Wedding Vow seen here chasing Legatissimo home at Gowran (Healy Racing Photos)
Toujours L'Amour fought on gamely to land the Listed spoils in the Betfred Mobile Oaks Trial Stakes at Lingfield.
The 15-2 shot, trained by William Haggas, was brought with a powerful run on the far rail by Harry Bentley to challenge for the lead after Vive Ma Fille, Tidal Moon and Maybelater had helped set the pace.
Toujours L'Amour, who does not hold an entry in the Investec Oaks, showed the right qualities to win on her first race for 189 days as she defeated Bellajeu by a length and a quarter.
Aidan O'Brien's Wedding Vow, the 8-11 favourite, was a never nearer third, three-quarters of a length away after being last into the straight.
John F Kennedy will attempt to get his Investec Derby hopes back on track in the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday rather than in Sunday's Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.
The winter favourite for the Epsom Classic had been expected to run in Sunday's 1m2f Group 3, but poor weather in Ireland on Friday changed Aidan O'Brien's running plans for the colt.
The trainer said: "We decided against running him as the ground is going to be very soft and he didn't handle those conditions in the Ballysax Stakes last month."
John F Kennedy's Derby ambitions took a serious blow when he could manage only a distant third of three runners behind Success Days on his seasonal reappearance at the Dublin track.
The son of Galileo and Moyglare Stakes winner Rumpelstiltskin is a best-priced 10-1 for the Derby at Epsom on June 6. He could be joined at York next week by stablemate Ol' Man River, who disappointed in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket last Saturday.
Order of St George had originally been pencilled in for Saturday's Derby Trial at Lingfield, but the anticipated softer going at Leopardstown will see him head Ballydoyle's two-pronged assault on the Derrinstown.
Winner of a mile maiden at the track as a juvenile, he will be joined by stablemate and recent Naas maiden winner Cradle Mountain.
Highland Reel & War Envoy represent Ballydoyle in French Guineas
Aidan O'Brien will bid to maintain Coolmore's 100pm record in this year's Classics when he saddles Highland Reel and War Envoy in tomorrow's French 2,000 Guineas.
Longchamp's Poule d'Essai des Poulains is a Group One that the Ballydoyle maestro has conquered three times, most recently with the Colm O'Donoghue-ridden Astronomer Royal in 2007. That was O'Donoghue's breakthrough Classic success, and he rides War Envoy this time, with Ryan Moore preferring Highland Reel.
Given that O'Donoghue was on the apparent fourth string when prevailing on a 33/1 shot eight years ago, he will be glad just to have got the nod for the mile event. Still, with no win in nine further starts since making quite an impression on his Naas debut a year ago, War Envoy is hard to fancy.
Highland Reel is clearly the stable pick. He hasn't run this season, but he looked deeply promising as a juvenile after getting beaten by Tombelaine on his Leopardstown debut.
The Galileo colt skated up by 12 lengths over a mile at Gowran Park next time, before making light of the drop back to seven furlongs to win a Goodwood Group Two at the end of July. It wasn't an especially hot race, but the manner in which Highland Reel quickened away was striking.
While both of those triumphs came on fast ground, the forecast slower conditions tomorrow shouldn't pose any fears for him. The main concern is his lack of a recent run, given that Richard Hannon's Smaih is the only other of the 18 runners not to have had an outing this term.
Of the locals, Andre Fabre's Make Believe could pose the biggest threat.
The Makfi colt was chinned by Ride Like The Wind on his Maisons-Laffitte return on April 2, but the winner was far from disgraced when eighth behind Gleneagles at Newmarket last week.
If Make Believe strips fitter, he will surely go close under Olivier Peslier. Charlie Hills' Muhaarar, which beat the Guineas third Ivawood in the Greenham, also tackles the French feature.
O'Donoghue's fellow Co Cork native Dane O'Neill is booked for Godolphin's Maftool, while Tipperary-born Kevin Ryan's Flaming Spear completes the overseas contingent.
Andrea Atzeni partners Flaming Spear, with his Killarney-born deputy Oisin Murphy aboard Qatar Racing's second string, Cornwallville.
A week after Gleneagles' polished win, today Moore and O'Brien target two Classic trials with Wedding Vow and Kilimanjaro at Lingfield.
The serious business only began at Newmarket, and it has been a highly productive initiation for the elite firm's more formal association.
Smuggler's Cove simply wasn't up to his task in yesterday's Dee Stakes at Chester, but Diamondsandrubies and Hans Holbein had torn up the Roodee on Wednesday and Thursday.
Their names are now very much in the mix for two Epsom Classics that remain distinctly open-looking.
Unfortunately, the prospect of very soft ground has rendered tomorrow's Derrinstown Derby Trial slightly irrelevant in terms of the June 6 contest.
O'Brien, who has won the last three Derbys, will next week turn his attentions to York's Dante Stakes, for which John F Kennedy is now in the mix, along with the Guineas flop Ol' Man River and Giovanni Canaletto.
Last year's Andrew Balding-trained Group One winner Elm Park might also turn up on the Knavesmire, as could John Gosden's Jack Hobbs.
He is the current favourite for Epsom at around 6/1, followed closely by Dermot Weld's Zawraq, Elm Park and John F Kennedy, so it promises to be another hugely informative week.
Meanwhile, the threat of heavy rain has prompted an 8.00 morning inspection ahead of this afternoon's card at Gowran Park.
Not So Sleepy, with Jim Crowley up (centre), on the way to winning The Dee Stakes at Chester from Disegno (left)
Aidan O'Brien could not add to his Investec Derby hand as hot favourite Smuggler's Cove was unable to cope with testing conditions in the Betfair Dee Stakes at Chester.
Not So Sleepy (11/1) won the race, showing a willing resolve to get the better of a thrilling finish.
Jim Crowley took the lead heading around the first turn and, when he wound things up from the front, the move saw Smuggler's Cove become the first beaten.
Not So Sleepy was challenged on either side by Prince Gagarin and Disegno and the latter kept on well, but in tenacious fashion Hughie Morrison's charge stuck his neck out to score by a short head.
Smuggler's Cove trailed in a well-beaten last in the hands of Ryan Moore, with a failure to act on the ground put forward as the reason for his below-par effort.
Coolmore's UK representative Kevin Buckley said: "He didn't act on the ground. Simple as that. He's won on soft before but he didn't go on that today."
Winning trainer Morrison said: "He has a lot of ability and it's thanks to the lads who ride him at home that he's run the race he has today. He was a bit keen, but he loved it. He stayed every yard and went on the ground. There is no grand plan. He probably wants soft ground, so he might go to France at some stage as he stays well enough. He has always run slightly on his nerves, but maybe this will make him grow up."
Former jumping acquaintances Peter Niven and Graham Lee teamed up on the Flat to take the honours with mud-lover Clever Cookie in the Ormonde Stakes.
It was a memorable moment for Niven as he provided Grand National-winning rider Lee with his last winner over jumps with Posh Bird in the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick in January 2012.
Clever Cookie (8/1) could make a swift return in the Betway Yorkshire Cup at York next Friday, while the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot is now a possibility if conditions are suitable and he could renew rivalry with runner-up Tac De Boistron.
The seven-year-old stayed on best of all in the wet conditions to outpoint the 11/10 favourite by a length and a quarter. The first two pulled six lengths clear of Deuce Again in third.
"He might go for the Yorkshire Cup next week. He was hardly blowing after that," said Niven. "Obviously the ground is going to be the key with him with regards to Ascot and places like that, but there are loads of opportunities for him.
"He should have won the Doncaster Cup last year, but we got it wrong. We tracked the wrong horse and it cost us a couple of lengths. Graham's made up for that today and given him a peach of a ride."
Roudee (6/1), third over six furlongs on this course 24 hours earlier, went two places better in the Crabbie's EBF Stallions Handicap over the minimum trip despite unshipping Hayley Turner on the way to the start and running loose.
Tom Dascombe's charge was totally unruffled and put the race to bed in style as he bounded clear in the final furlong to beat Rita's Boy by a length and a quarter.
Dascombe said: "I thought he was a good thing yesterday, but unfortunately he missed the break."
Draw for Sunday, Longchamp, France, post time: 3:08 p.m. POULE DâESSAI DES POULAINS - PRIX LE PARISIEN-G1, â¬550,000, 3yo, c, 8fT SC PP HORSE SIRE JOCKEY TRAINER 1 16 New Bay (GB) Dubawi (Ire) Cheminaud Fabre 2 18 Muhaarar (GB) Oasis Dream (GB) Hanagan C Hills 3 13 Karar (GB) Invincible Spirit (Ire) Dettori Graffard 4 8 Smaih (Ger) Paco Boy (Ire) Boudot Hannon 5 9 Hawke (Ire) Oratorio (Ire) Barzalona Brandt 6 6 Sir Andrew (Fr) Polan (Fr) Tejera Gonzalez 7 7 Highland Reel (Ire) Galileo (Ire) Moore A O'Brien 8 3 Mind That Boy (Ire) Acclamation (GB) Benoist Durepaire 9 4 Make Believe (GB) Makfi (GB) Peslier Fabre 10 14 Tale of Life (Jpn) Deep Impact (Jpn) Pasquier Bary 11 11 Maftool Hard Spun O'Neill bin Suroor 12 1 Borsakov (Ire) Dylan Thomas (Ire) Guyon Brandt 13 12 Mr. Owen Invincible Spirit (Ire) Bertras Rohaut 14 2 War Envoy War Front O'Donoghue A O'Brien 15 15 Cornwallville (Ire) Makfi (GB) Murphy Graffard 16 17 The Comissioner (Ire) Sea the Stars (Ire) Soumillon Th-Demeaulte 17 10 Flaming Spear (Ire) Lope de Vega (Ire) Atzeni K Ryan 18 5 El Suizo (Fr) Meshaheer Veron Pantall All carry 128 pounds.
Aidan O'Brien set to field trio in Poule d'Essai des Poulains
at Longchamp
Updated: Thursday, 07 May 2015 14:50 |
Highland Reel (purple silks) won the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on the final start of his juvenile campaign
Aidan O'Brien could be triple-handed in the French equivalent of the 2000 Guineas, the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, at Longchamp on Sunday as he aims to lift the prize for the fourth time.
Karar, meanwhile, has been supplemented in the mile event after the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained colt was added to the Classic by owners Al Shaqab Racing at cost of â¬39,600.
After scoring at the first time of asking, the son of Invincible Spirit found only subsequent Newmarket Guineas runner-up Territories too good for him in a Group Three at Longchamp last time out.
Karar is one of two entries for Graffard in company with the Pearl Bloodstock-owned Cornwallville.
Heading the list of four British raiders is the Charlie Hills-trained Greenham Stakes winner Muhaarar, while Saeed bin Suroor, who last won the race 10 years ago with Shamardal, relies on UAE 2000 Guineas hero Maftool.
Completing the British contingent is the Richard Hannon-trained Smaih, and Flaming Spear, who will attempt to give trainer Kevin Ryan a second French Classic having won the Prix du Jockey Club 12 months ago with The Grey Gatsby.
Andre Fabre's chances of claiming a sixth win rest with New Bay and Make Believe, while Pia Brandt will also have two chances following the declaration of both Hawke and Borsakov.
The field of 19 is completed by Sir Andrew, Mind That Boy, Tale Of Life, Mr Owen, The Commissioner and El Suzio.
Smuggler's Cove will bid to extend to three Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore's domination of Chester's Classic trials in today's Dee Stakes.
Hans Holbein made all en route to a comprehensive victory for the elite firm in yesterday's Chester Vase, following Diamondsandrubies' facile Cheshire Oaks success on Wednesday.
He was subsequently cut to as low as 12/1 from as big as 40/1 for the Derby.
The premier Epsom Classic has a pretty open look to it at this stage, although, as a three-parts brother to the 2010 Irish St Leger hero Sans Frontieres, Hans Holbein might ultimately be more of a Doncaster St Leger type.
"I spoke to Joseph (O'Brien) who said he was very fit and well, and he was as I could barely pull him up," Moore said after the 7/4 favourite's near two-length triumph over Storm The Stars, which had won a Leicester maiden on its fourth start.
"He's quite laid-back but he finds a little bit when you ask him. The form doesn't amount to a great deal at the moment, but he can only improve and he'll be better over further as well. He went round here well enough so I don't see why he wouldn't act at Epsom."
O'Brien has won the last three editions of the Betfair Dee Stakes and five of the last 10. With the ground on the slow side, three of the seven declared runners have already been scratched, so the task facing Smuggler's Cove isn't especially formidable.
Michael Stoute's Disegno and Ed Dunlop's Prince Gagarin have ability and they are the only two remaining contenders with an entry for Epsom.
However, the decision to send Smuggler's Cove across the water for the Listed contest is surely significant given the manner in which the Ballydoyle three-year-olds appear to have turned a corner recently.
By Fastnet Rock out of a full-sister to the brilliant dual Derby hero High Chaparral, Smuggler's Cove is stepping up from seven to an extended 10 furlongs here. That should suit him.
He needs to build on his never-dangerous reappearance at the Curragh, but he has the scope to do so, with his third in last year's Dewhurst Stakes an indication of his potential.
There are three other Irish-trained runners on duty, and they all have genuine chances.
Gordon Elliott's Eshtiaal maybe has most to do in the concluding handicap for apprentice Jack Kennedy, a 16-year-old pony racing champion who rode 221 'flapping' winners over five years and was second on his first track ride on Taglietelle at Clonmel last night.
From a wide draw, Eshtiaal has a lot to do, but Willie McCreery's Colour Blue and Rivers Of Babylon have been drawn favourably in berth three in their respective heats under Connor King, yet another prodigy to recently graduate from the pony ranks.
Both are race-fit, so Colour Blue has claims in the opening seven-furlong handicap, likewise Rivers Of Babylon in the maiden over the same trip.
Highland Reel winning in Gowran (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien is triple handed in the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp on Sunday as he aims to lift the prize for the fourth time.
The Ballydoyle trainer will be represented by Highland Reel, War Envoy and Dick Whittington as he seeks victory in the race for the first time since 2007.
Karar has been supplemented into a provisional field of 19. The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained colt was added to the Classic by owners Al Shaqab Racing at a cost of 39,600 euros.
After scoring at the first time of asking, the son of Invincible Spirit found only subsequent Newmarket Guineas runner-up Territories too good for him in a Group Three at Longchamp last time out.
Karar is one of two entries for Graffard in company with the Pearl Bloodstock-owned Cornwallville.
Heading the list of four British raiders is the Charlie Hills-trained Greenham Stakes winner Muhaarar, while Saeed bin Suroor, who last won the race 10 years ago with Shamardal, relies on UAE 2000 Guineas hero Maftool.
Completing the British contingent is the Richard Hannon-trained Smaih, and Flaming Spear, who will attempt to give trainer Kevin Ryan a second French Classic having won the Prix du Jockey Club 12 months ago with The Grey Gatsby.
Andre Fabre's chances of claiming a sixth win rest with New Bay and Make Believe, while Pia Brandt will also have two chances following the declaration of both Hawke and Borsakov.
The field is completed by Sir Andrew, Mind That Boy, Tale Of Life, Mr Owen, The Commissioner and El Suzio.
Ryan Moore in action at Chester racecourse yesterday
Aidan O'Brien continues to make great use of Chester as a trials venue and Hans Holbein can extend his and Ryan Moore's domination of the MBNA Chester Vase this afternoon.
The Ballydoyle genius, whose Oaks contender Diamondsandrubies was so impressive at the unique turning track yesterday, has won five of the last eight renewals of today's Group Three.
Soldier Of Fortune, Treasure Beach and Ruler Of The World went on to aggregate five Group Ones after landing the 12-furlong contest, with Ruler Of The World famously taking the Derby under Moore.
It might be unlikely that Hans Holbein will emulate those Epsom heroics, but he should still be good enough to carry the peerless rider to his fifth victory in this for O'Brien.
A three-parts brother to the 2010 Irish St Leger hero Sans Frontieres, the Montjeu colt took a little while to get a hang of the job. However, he looked progressive when pulling away in what was a fair 10-furlong Leopardstown maiden at the third time of asking last month.
Hans Holbein certainly showed a willing attitude, so he sets a fair standard now that he steps up to a more suitable trip.
His main threat may come from Godolphin's Future Empire. Placed three times - including twice in Group company - since winning on its Newmarket bow over seven furlongs last July, the New Approach colt is another that looks sure to be better over this sort of trip.
Moore might also take the two races either side of the day's feature event. In the Betfair Huxley Stakes, he partners Cannock Chase for Michael Stoute. This is a really tight contest, with six of the seven runners rated within a pound of each other.
Windhoek, Air Pilot, Fattsota, Grandeur and Maverick Wave all have obvious chances, but Cannock Chase is by some way the least exposed of the field. A full-brother to the dual Group winner Pisco Sour, the four-year-old finished second on his only start as a juvenile two years ago. He then won each of his three outings in 2014, finishing up with a straightforward triumph at Royal Ascot in the Tercentenary Stakes.
On Cannock Chase's reappearance at Sandown, he kept on well to be third to two higher-rated rivals, which should have left him spot on for this.
In short, he is a really likeable sort with a low head carriage that has far more scope to improve than any of today's rivals. From a plum inside draw, he ought to take plenty beating.
In the Boodles Diamond Handicap, Moore and Stoute are represented by Pleiades, which was beaten all of 15 lengths on its seasonal reappearance at Beverley, where he had won a maiden so impressively on his last run in the autumn. A full-brother to Monday's Robbie Hennessy-trained Down Royal hurdle winner Space Ship, the son of Galileo is far better than he showed first time up.
Pleiades has been dropped a couple of pounds by the handicapper, so he ought to go much better now that he has the benefit of a run to his name, bearing in mind that he also ran moderately on his first outing last year.
Another fancied to collect inside the walls of the charming medieval city is David Evans' Jamie Spencer-ridden Raj To Riches. Just denied for a second time at Nottingham, the Ifraaj colt has a fair draw in stall five in the juveniles' maiden.
Hans Holbein: can be backed at 66-1 for the Investec Derby
PICTURE: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)
Hans Holbein out to give O'Brien sixth Vase win
BY TOM PARK6:30PM 6 MAY 2015
HANS HOLBEIN will put his Investec Derby credentials on the line in the MBNA Chester Vase on Thursday as he bids to hand his trainer Aidan O'Brien a sixth victory in nine runnings of the Group 3 contest.
Following John F Kennedy's defeat at Leopardstown last month and Ol' Man River's disappointing run in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at the weekend, O'Brien's stranglehold on the Investec Derby has loosened considerably since the start of the season but he will be hoping Hans Holbein can join the Classic fray and even emulate 2013 winner Ruler Of The World in completing the Chester Vase/Derby double.
O'Brien said: "He came on well from his first run of the season to win a mile and a quarter maiden at Leopardstown last month and, hopefully, he can improve again. He's stepping up in distance but is bred to get the trip."
Hans Holbein's main rival comes in the form of Godolphin's Future Empire, who returns after finishing four lengths behind Christophermarlowe in the Derby Trial at Epsom in April.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "He ran very well but he was too far back so I think the mile and a half will suit him much better than a mile and a quarter. The ground should be no problem. He came back from Epsom in good form but this race will tell us more about the future, whether to go for the Derby or not."
A Hans Holbein victory becomes even more important for O'Brien after Sir Isaac Newton, who was as short as 10-1 for the Derby, was beaten in a maiden at Chester on Wednesday at odds of 1-6.
Despite the shock defeat, the son of Galileo is still held in high regard at Ballydoyle and Kevin Buckley, Coolmore's UK representative, reckons there may still be more to come from the colt this season.
"He hasn't run since October and Aidan needed to get him to the track," Buckley said. "It wasn't ideal the ground changing in the afternoon, he would prefer better ground than that.
"We will get him back home, see how he is and Aidan can make some decisions. It was only his second run and I am sure he will learn a lot from that. I am not making excuses but he didn't really handle that ground. He is still a bloody nice horse and well related."
Sir Isaac Newton was pushed out to 25-1 with William Hill for the Derby with stablemate Hans Holbein a 66-1 shot with bet365.
Chester officials were on Wednesday night predicting the rain that forced two going changes on the first day of the meeting would pass to leave dry conditions for the last two days.
Showers throughout the opening day changed the ground to good to soft, and then to good to soft, soft in places, and clerk of the course Andrew Morris expects that description to prevail despite rail movements providing fresh ground for Thursday.
Speaking after racing on Wednesday, he said: "We might get a little shower tonight but we're due a dry day with sunny spells tomorrow and Friday. It might dry out a little, but I'd expect the ground to remain the same because it's been raced on and has opened up."
Cymro caused an almighty upset in the Homeserve Maiden Stakes at Chester as Sir Isaac Newton's Classic aspirations suffered a huge jolt.
Sir Isaac Newton, trained by Aidan O'Brien, had been trading at around the 12-1 mark to win the Epsom Derby on June 6th but he could only finish second as the 1-6 favourite.
Having his first start for 192 days - he finished second to Zawraq in a back-end Leopardstown maiden on his sole previous racecourse outing - all appeared to be going well after Ryan Moore gained momentum once the field turned for home.
But Cymro and jockey Richard Kingscote had other ideas as the partnership manfully kept at bay Sir Isaac Newton's challenge all the way up the straight, eventually scoring by three-quarters of a length.
Kevin Buckley, Coolmore's UK representative, said of Sir Isaac Newton: "We would have liked to have won, but he hasn't run since October. We needed to get him to the track.
"It wasn't ideal, the ground changing, and he'd prefer better ground than that. We'll get him home, see how he is and Aidan can make some decisions."
Trainer Tom Dascombe said of the winner: "Over time he's progressed and it's now worked out for him. I thought he was more of a sprinter."
Diamondsandrubies was a most impressive winner of the Arkle Finance Cheshire Oaks at Chester.
Aidan O'Brien's 5-4 favourite was suitably revved up following two runs in April and had little issue taking this Listed affair by six lengths.
Diamondsandrubies was subsequently cut to 8-1 from 20-1 by Paddy Power for the Investec Oaks at Epsom, and it is not difficult to see why.
The daughter of Fastnet Rock closely tracked the pacesetting duo of Sweet Dream and Banzari for most of the race until Ryan Moore went about his business at the top of the home straight.
O'Brien's filly received an accidental crack of the whip on her nose when Moore went for a winning run, but that did not knock her off her stride as she was much too good for Entertainment.
Moore said: "I had a nice run round and she travelled very easily. They didn't go that quick, but when I asked her she quickened like a smart filly and we're real pleased with her.
"For a big filly, she's gone round there very easily."
Joint-owner Roisin Henry said: "We weren't looking forward to it as we were worried about the ground, but she's come good.
"We came here more hopeful than confident, so we're really thrilled.
"Ryan kept her very balanced. Even though she got a crack across her face she seemed to come on for it.
When asked if she thinks Diamondsandrubies is capable of winning an Oaks, Mrs Henry said: "I do now."
Coolmore's UK representative Kevin Buckley said: "Ryan said she gave him a really good feel - she missed the break a little, but settled well and when he pressed the button she really responded well.
"The Oaks is the likely target and she is right in that picture."
Aidan O'Brien is likely to be looking towards Royal Ascot with the promising filly Words.
The beautifully-bred Dansili filly is a daughter of Moonstone, who was an Irish Oaks winner.
She looked to have a huge future when beating the classy Raydara on her only run at the Curragh last season, but she met with a slight setback over the winter which has ruled her out of the early Classics.
As low as 14-1 in places for the Oaks, O'Brien could wait for the Ribblesdale at Ascot instead.
"The lad who rides her out home says she'll win the Ribblesdale, so he's obviously not thinking of the Classics," O'Brien told At The Races.
"We're going to go gently with her, she might not be ready for the Classics so we might end up at Ascot with her, but we'll see.
"Looking at her I thought she could be a miler. She looked like a Guineas filly the day she won but we didn't have a clear run and couldn't get a consistent spell of long training into her which is why she's a bit behind."
'Heâs had only one run and we were taking our time with him,' said trainer Aidan OâBrien of Sir Isaac Newton, who makes a much-awaited reappearance at Chester today
Sir Isaac Newton, which is as low as 10/1 for the Investec Derby, makes his eagerly-awaited reappearance in the Maiden Stakes at Chester today.
The Galileo colt is a full brother to Ralph Beckett's Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture and made a very pleasing debut for Aidan O'Brien at Leopardstown last October, finishing a half-length second to Dermot Weld's Zawraq, which is currently second favourite for Epsom.
Sir Isaac Newton faces seven rivals, including John Gosden's Derby entry Keble, which finished second to Intilaaq at Newbury last month.
"He's had only one run and we were taking our time with him. He's a horse we've thought a lot of and he has a lot of speed," said O'Brien.
"You wouldn't rule out an Irish Guineas with him, but he probably has a lot to learn in a short space of time if he is going to be a Classic horse having only had one run.
"We always feel they learn a lot in Chester and come out of it very well. We'll let that happen and deal with it after that. He's a horse with a lot of pace, he could come back to an Irish Guineas if we needed him - Magician did that (after winning at Chester)."
Dermot Weld likes to have a runner in the Chester Cup and saddles the dual-purpose performer Zafayan in today's marathon test.
Weld wanted to run the four-year-old at Cheltenham, but he failed to make the cut so he ran on the Flat at Leopardstown and won easily.
Dermot Weld's Zawraq and Aidan O'Brien's John F Kennedy are among 12 entries for Sunday's usually informative Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.
Some truly notable horses have won the Group Three on their way to establishing themselves as greats of the game.
Just since the turn of the century Sinndar, Galileo, High Chaparral, Yeats, Dylan Thomas and Fame And Glory have all been successful.
Zawraq is the general second favourite for the Investec Derby but Dermot Weld has warned he is not a definite runner as regular rider Pat Smullen is suspended and the ground may be too soft.
O'Brien has committed John F Kennedy as he needs to put a dismal run in the Ballysax Stakes behind him.
Weld has also entered Summaya, while O'Brien has put in Cape Clear Island, Cradle Mountain, Kilimanjaro, Order Of St George and Royal Navy Ship.
Ballysax winner Success Days, Pleascach, Game Set Dash and Carbon Dating are the only other entries.
Also on the card is the Derrinstown 1,000 Guineas Trial, which has attracted 17 entries.
O'Brien has four possibles, with Wedding Vow appearing his main hope after her recent second to Legatissimo.
Weld's Stormfly is two from two this season and is the highest-rated filly engaged, while Michael O'Callaghan's Letters Of Note is well regarded.
Fascinating Rock could bounce out again quickly as Weld has put him in the Amethyst Stakes on the same card after his win on Monday. Afternoon Sunlight could also represent Rosewell.
Gordon Lord Byron is the standout name, though, as the Group One winner over six furlongs may run over a mile.
An interesting entry in the closing 12-furlong maiden is O'Brien's Prospector.
Owned by Coolmore, in a partnership with Sheikh Al Thani, the Galileo colt is a half-brother to Mastercraftsman and cost $1,400,000.
Sir Isaac Newton, who is as low as 10-1 for the Investec Derby, makes his eagerly-awaited reappearance in the Homeserve Maiden Stakes at Chester tomorrow.
The Galileo colt is a full brother to Ralph Beckett's Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture and made a very pleasing debut at Leopardstown in October for Aidan O'Brien.
He finished a half-length second to Dermot Weld's Zawraq, who is currently second favourite for Epsom.
Sir Isaac Newton faces seven rivals, including John Gosden's Derby entry Keble, who finished second to Intilaaq at Newbury last month.
"He's only had one run and we were taking our time with him. He's a horse we've thought a lot of and he has a lot of speed," O'Brien told At The Races.
"You wouldn't rule out an Irish Guineas with him, but he probably has a lot to learn in a short space of time if he is going to be a Classic horse having only had one run.
"We always feel they learn a lot in Chester and come out of it very well. We'll let that happen and deal with it after that.
"He's a horse with a lot of pace, he could come back to an Irish Guineas if we needed him - Magician did that (after winning at Chester)."
Hans Holbein bids to give Aidan O'Brien a third successive triumph in the MBNA Chester Vase and his sixth in all when facing five rivals on the Roodee on Thursday.
The son of Montjeu, who also held an entry in Friday's Dee Stakes, is Ballydoyle's only representative from seven possibles.
Hans Holbein, has had a busy spring campaign already winning the latest of two starts last month at Leopardstown.
He will be taken on by Godolphin's Future Empire, who was well beaten by Christophermarlowe in Epsom's Derby Trial two weeks ago.
David Brown saddles Medrano, placed in both his starts in France this term, while Mike de Kock's Tannaaf, easy Leicester maiden winner Storm The Stars and the Richard Hannon-trained Proposed complete the six-strong field.
Four of the six - Hans Holbein, First Empire, Storm The Stars and Proposed - hold entries in the Investec Derby.
Former Ballydoyle Horses of 2014 That are now Overseas By Jason Doyle
Australia
Annus Mirabilis (Montjeu x Love Me True) Carlo Bugatti (Montjeu x Marquesa) Century (Montjeu x Mixed Blessing) Granddukeoftuscany (Galileo x Crystal Valkyrie) France Festive Cheer (Montjeu x Bold Classic) Hong Kong Table Rock (Fastnet Rock x Small Sacrifice) Qatar Great White Eagle (Elusive Quality x Gender Dance) Hall Of Mirrors (Duke Of Marmalade x Apache Dream) Michaelmas (Elusive Quality x Christmas Kid) Sir John Hawkins (Henrythenavigator x Peeping Fawn) Windsor Palace (Danehill Dancer x Simaat) Spain Agena (Galileo x Dietrich) Down House (Galileo x Guaranda) Falkirk (Montjeu x Jewel In the Sand) United Arab Emirates Darwin (Big Brown x Cool Ghoul) Flying The Flag (Galileo x Halfway To Heaven) Fountain Of Youth (Oasis Dream x Attraction) Francis Of Assisi (Danehill Dancer x Queen Cleopatra) General Marshall (War Front x Julie From Dixie) Johann Strauss (High Chaparral x Inchmina) Toscanelli (Galileo x Massarra) USA Dazzling (Galileo x Secret Garden) Indian Maharaja (Galileo x Again)
Iveagh Gardens ridden by Niall McCullagh (right) on the way to winning the Canford Cliffs European Breeders Fund Athasi Stakes at Curragh Racecourse, Co Kildare, Ireland on Monday (Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Aidan O'Brien's Found remains on course for the Epsom Oaks despite being beaten by 25/1 outsider in Iveagh Gardens on her return to action in the Canford Cliffs EBF Athasi Stakes at the Curragh.
Already a Group One winner, Found was market leader for the English 1,000 Guineas but was ruled out at the 11th hour after a minor setback meant she had missed some crucial work.
Found looked like justifying her 5/4 favourite's tag when hitting the front a furlong out but Niall McCullagh pushed Iveagh Gardens through a gap and Charles O'Brien's filly flew past the market leader to win by two lengths.
Coral reacted by pushing Found out to 5/1 from 4/1 for the Oaks behind 7/2 favourite Legatissimo, winner of the Guineas in the same colours, but Aidan O'Brien was far from downhearted, saying: "I'm very happy with that, and she just got tired on the bad ground. We needed to run her before the Irish 1,000 Guineas, and that is where she will go now."
Tombelaine (11/2) wore down the giant Endless Drama to give Dermot Weld successive wins in the Tetrarch Stakes. Following on from Alkasser 12 months ago, Tombelaine didn't have to show improved form given the calibre of horses he ran against last season.
He beat French Guineas hope Highland Reel on his first outing and then ran into the likes of Gleneagles, John F Kennedy and Ol' Man River.
Excellent
"It was an excellent performance, but he's been mixing it with the very best," said Weld. "If he doesn't run in the Irish 2,000 Guineas then he could go for the Jersey Stakes."
Weld and Pat Smullen doubled up when Fascinating Rock landed odds of 2/5 in the So You Think EBF Mooresbridge Stakes, beating Parish Hall by just under two lengths.
A smart three-year-old last year, he won both the Ballysax and Derrinstown Derby Trials. Weld added: "He did what you would expect him to do. He could go for a lot of those races that Famous Name ran in before, and in the second part of the year could have more serious challenges. The Tattersalls Gold Cup could be considered."
Kerry-born Michael O'Callaghan could have his first runner at Royal Ascot after Emmett McNamara drove State Of Emergency (2/1) to a half-length victory over 4/5 favourite Mimicking in the Zoffany EBF Race.
GIOVANNI CANALETTO, a 14-1 shot for the Investec Derby, has been ruled out of his intended trial for Epsom in the Group 3 MBNA Chester Vase on Thursday.
Giovanni Canaletto ran twice at two, winning a mile maiden at Leopardstown in October by six and a half lengths on his second start.
Speaking at the Curragh on Monday, the colt's trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "Unfortunately, Giovanni Canaletto didn't scope clean this morning and won't be travelling to Chester.
"It's a bad time to have such a hold-up, so we'll have to wait and see. We have other entries in the Vase and will probably run one or two."
O'Brien, who has won the Chester Vase five times in the last eight years and is chasing a third successive victory in the race, has Archangel Raphael, Hans Holbein, Kilimanjaro, King Of Aragon, Order Of St George and Sandro Botticelli entered in the race.
John F Kennedy: 10-1 chance for the Investec Derby
PICTURE: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)
O'Brien: JFK needs to step up in Derrinstown
BY SAM PRICE7:00PM 4 MAY 2015
âIt was a very ordinary run first time and weâre hoping he leaves that behindâ, said OâBrien, who was speaking to At The Races at the Curragh. âThe plan is to go to Leopardstown and heâs got to step up if heâs going to come back into the Derby picture.
âSome of our horses have done that [run disappointingly] on their first start of the year and left it behind. Roderic OâConnor was tailed off in a Guineas and so was Power and they came back to win good races. Sometimes our horses donât fire up first time.â
He added of John F Kennedy: âJoseph [OâBrien] rides him all the time in his work and has been very happy with him.â
The Ballydoyle master will also be looking to those past examples for inspiration in reference to another of his Epsom contenders in Olâ Man River, who was eased down to finish last in Saturdayâs Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
The son of Montjeu was pushed out to 20-1 for the Investec Derby following that display, but is a potential runner in next weekâs Group 2 Betfred Dante Stakes at York, where 6-1 Derby favourite Jack Hobbs is set to be in opposition.
Aidan O'Brien has outlined running plans for some of his Classic contenders in the coming days.
Giovanni Canaletto, a full-brother to Derby winner Ruler Of The World, has met with a setback, but t he Ballydoyle handler will still be well represented at Chester and Lingfield this week.
" Giovanni Canaletto has scoped badly and it's a bad time to get a setback," said O'Brien.
"Sir Isaac Newton (second to Zawraq on his only outing) will run in a maiden at Chester (Wednesday). He has a lot to learn in a short time.
"Smuggler's Cove (third in Dewhurst) will go for the Dee Stakes (Friday) and we'll run something in the Vase.
"Order Of St George will probably run in the Lingfield Derby Trial (Saturday).
"John F Kennedy will run at Leopardstown on Sunday (in the Derrinstown Derby Trial). He needs to go, and hopefully the ground won't be too bad."
O'Brien also had news of Ol' Man River, who was last of 18 in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
"Ol' Man River is OK after the Guineas and he might go for the Dante."
Diamondsandrubies pictured on her way to victory at Tipperary last month (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's Diamondsandrubies is among a field of 12 for the Arkle Finance LTD Cheshire Oaks at Chester on Wednesday.
The Fastnet Rock filly is out of Quarter Moon, who won a Moyglare as well as finishing second in the Irish 1000 Guineas and both the English and Irish Oaks.
A winner at Tipperary first time out this season, she was third in what looked a strong Listed race won by Bocca Baciata at Navan.
Andrew Balding's Victoria Pollard won nicely at Newbury on her racecourse debut recently and steps up in class. The Sir Percy filly hails from the family of useful stayer Victoria Montoya.
Daniel Kubler runs the unbeaten Affileo, who is two from two on the all-weather, while Clive Cox reintroduces Loaves And Fishes, a good winner at Haydock on her only outing last season.
Michael Bell runs Banzari, a 10-length winner at Nottingham last term while John Gosden is represented by Zamoura and Entertainment.
Jasmine Blue, Mile High, Sweet Dream, Tepeleni and What Say You complete the field.
Later on the card O'Brien runs the interesting Sir Isaac Newton in the Homeserve Maiden Stakes over an extended mile and a quarter.
The Galileo colt cost 3.6 million guineas and is a brother to Oaks runner up Secret Gesture.
He had one run at two, when second to Dermot Weld's Zawraq.
Gleneagles winning at Newmarket (Healy Racing Photos)
Gleneagles is likely to be next seen in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on May 23.
The impressive Classic winner holds entries in the Dante at York and in the English and Irish Derbys, but he is unlikely to be asked to race over further for some time.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien feels he could stay a mile and a quarter, but his electric turn of foot and ability to travel on the bridle mark him out as a special miler.
"He travelled well (in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket) and he has the ability to quicken, that's what he showed us last year," O'Brien told At The Races.
"He did what we hoped. He had been working well at home so obviously we were hoping he'd do that.
"He's very much like Giant's Causeway, so he could get a mile and a quarter, but he looks to be a miler really.
"What you want in a good miler is the ability to travel and then quicken, and that is what he can do.
"I think the Irish Guineas will be next but we'll have to see what the ground is like and the boys will talk about that. It looks the obvious race, though."
Timeform says Did little wrong at 2 yrs, Group 3 winner at the Curragh and far from disgraced when eighth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita (1m, firm) final start. More needed now, though.
Three of today's rivals (and two others) went past late on in the Moyglare Stud last
September but she won well with switch to waiting tactics when sights were lowered
to Group 3 next time; hampered in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and should
No concern about the supremacy of the 2,000 Guineas
Tracking the blistering pace, Gleneagles was always in his comfort zone and as soon as Ryan Moore asked for an effort, the race was over in a few strides
The first British Classic seems to have just popped up by stealth this year. Perhaps it was owing to the particularly elasticated nature of this year's jumps spring Festivals. Or potentially the protracted retirement fanfare of AP McCoy these last weeks.
Maybe it was simply the absence of a box office name to sell the sizzle of the race. After all history tells us the Guineas tends towards one of the world's great mile races. Some, bemoaning this year's quality, invoked the heroes of yesteryear. Others pointed to the vanquished in last year's renewal - which included Kingman, Australia, Kingston Hill, The Grey Gatsby and Charmed Spirit - and wondered where the talent had disappeared to this time around.
At about ten to four yesterday they had their answer - Gleneagles.
In hindsight it was obvious. Undefeated in five races following his racecourse introduction, the Aidan O'Brien colt was first past the post in the best juvenile race in Ireland and the best juvenile race in France last year.
O'Brien had won six previous editions of the race and was aiming for a record-equalling seventh. All previous winners won on seasonal debut. Trained by one of the best trainers in the world, ridden by one of the best jockeys in the world, bred in the purple and drawn to perfection. It should have been obvious but the market (for whatever reason, although Raceday Live described his late paddock arrival as "in a muck sweat") spoke against the chances of the son of Galileo, which drifted to a high of 5/1 before the off.
Those concerned for the supremacy of the race could quickly relax as the three top-rated horses filled the first three places in a field of 18 - and the winner Gleneagles has confirmed that not only has he trained on, but he's already laid down a significant early marker for European champion miler.
Tracking the blistering pace, Gleneagles was always in his comfort zone and as soon as Ryan Moore asked for an effort, the race was over in a few strides. He is highly unlikely to contest the Derby (he wasn't even quoted by Ladbrokes) and Moore's comments afterwards suggested he sees him as a quintessential miler and, as such, will probably follow the more conventional St James's Palace route from here.
O'Brien said: "He was always a good traveller. When he gets there he doesn't do much, but that was him last year as well. His form was top class and he only does what he has to do. We always thought he would be a miler."
However, most interesting amongst Moore's ruminations was how he referred to the colt as "a proper horse" that is "sure to move forward for today".
Deciphering the tea-leaves, it all suggests that much greater is expected of Giant's Causeway's grandson from this point and that the weakness in the market was a question of readiness rather than talent. The 'Iron Horse' himself (Giant's Causeway) could only manage second in his Guineas but did nothing but improve and improve from there.
Gleneagles provides another significant landmark for Coolmore, advertising once more the prowess of the world's leading stallion Galileo and if the subtext of O'Brien's role is to prepare the next generation of stallions for his employer, then yesterday was very much a tick in the 'Yes' box.
Amazingly, in contrast to O'Brien's now magnificent seven Newmarket Guineas, Moore was enjoying his first ever win in the race.
The victory was a perfect way to cement the relationship that considers Moore officially first-choice jockey at Ballydoyle. Paradoxically O'Brien's other runner, Ol' Man River, partnered by son Joseph and only two points longer than the winner in the betting market, was virtually pulled up at the back of the field.
Gleneagles gave Aidan O'Brien his seventh Qipco 2000 Guineas success as he ran out a convincing winner of the first Classic of the season at Newmarket.
Sent off the 4-1 favourite for the mile event, Ryan Moore's mount was very much in control heading into the dip and kept on to win by two and a quarter lengths.
The Andre Fabre-trained Territories was second, with Ivawood a further three-quarters of a length back in third.
Despite changes to the stalls and rails this year, the field still split into two, with Kool Kompany leading down the centre of the track and Home Of The Brave heading the charge up the near side.
Moore settled in behind on that side early on, tracking the fancied Intilaaq, and produced his mount with a furlong still to run, while Ivawood was desperately trying to assert down the middle of the track.
However, Gleneagles had far too much in reserve and held the charge of the staying-on French raider Territories in second.
O'Brien said: "He was always a good traveller. When he gets there he doesn't do much, but that was him last year as well. His form was top class and he only does what he has to do. We always thought he would be a miler."
Moore added: "He's very straightforward. I think he's probably a miler. I'm looking forward to him for the rest of the year. He's a very exciting horse. Aidan's record speaks for itself. He's achieved everything you can."
Gleneagles, here winning at the Curragh last season, is fancied to score in todayâs Newmarket 2,000 Guineas
Aidan O'Brien saddles both Gleneagles and Ol' Man River as he strives to bring the trophy for the 2,000 Guineas back to Ballydoyle for an 11th time in total.
Ger Lyons also has a cut at the £450,000 Qipco-sponsored Group One with Cappella Sansevero, whose Qatar Racing owner Sheikh Fahad Al Thani also has Elm Park in the 19-strong field. Killarney native Oisin Murphy rides Lyons' Showcasing colt, which was just shy of the best juveniles last year.
When fourth over six furlongs on his eighth start in the Middle Park Stakes here at Newmarket in October, Cappella Sansevero looked in need of further. He gets that now, but he still has a gap to bridge.
Andrea Atzeni is on Elm Park, the only other Group One winner along with Gleneagles in the mile affair. Andrew Balding's charge apparently needs a drop of rain even to run, and he appeals as a more likely Derby or even St Leger type. A son of Phoenix Reach, he made most to win for a third time over a mile in what was a moderate edition of the Racing Post Trophy in the autumn. The third, Celestial Path, is also on duty here, which is of note mainly because he is Mark Prescott's first ever runner in the race. Richard Hannon's Ivawood and Kool Kompany are unlikely to be too far away, likewise Estidhkaar, which kept on again after getting passed by Muhaarar in the Greenham.
However, the two most exciting prospects in the first Classic of the season are trained in Rosegreen, Co Tipperary. Like each of the current Ballydoyle incumbent's first six winners of the race, Gleneagles and Ol' Man River are coming here without a run as three-year-olds.
Instinctively, you might think that Gleneagles' busy six-race season last year would suggest that he might not have too much scope to progress at three, but Rock Of Gibraltar ran seven times as a juvenile, George Washington and King Of Kings five times and Henrythenavigator four times. Being battle-hardened is a plus here. Beaten on his Curragh bow, the son of Galileo then passed the post in front five times, latterly in the National Stakes at headquarters and in the Prix Jean Luc Lagardere.
He was disqualified for causing interference in the seven-furlong Longchamp feature, but he was clearly best horse in the race. Andre Fabre's re-opposing Territories paid him a tidy compliment back at Longchamp last month. A full-brother to the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Marvellous, Gleneagles is a cracking prospect, and the market tells us that he and the peerless Ryan Moore are the elite stable's main hope. At odds of 3/1, he is fairly priced and fancied to collect.
That all said, don't be surprised if Ol' Man River puts it up to him. The Montjeu colt is out of the dual Guineas heroine Finsceal Beo and he looked sharp in the Beresford Stakes in September. If Joseph O'Brien can do the allotted 9st, Ol' Man River could be a real threat.
Ryan Moore is eagerly anticipating teaming up with Gleneagles for the first time in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Joseph O'Brien rode the son of Galileo in all but one of his races last year, when he was just about the best two-year-old colt.
Wins in the Futurity and the National Stakes at the Curragh as well as a first-past-the-post finish in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere marked the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt as a very special youngster.
O'Brien junior does 9st for the first time this season and rides unbeaten stablemate Ol' Man River, the subject of strong market support this week
"I am looking forward to riding Gleneagles in the Guineas. He was just about the best two-year-old around last year, he turned up at every race and he kept on winning," Moore told his Betfair column.
"He won the Tyros Stakes, the Futurity Stakes and the National Stakes in Ireland, then he went to France and he won the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. Okay, so he lost that race in the stewards' room, but he was the winner on merit, he was the best horse in it. He is a horse I am looking forward to a lot.
"His stable companion Ol' Man River is also really interesting. He won his two races last year, including the Beresford Stakes, a race that is often a good pointer to the following year's Classics.
"He is by Montjeu out of Finsceal Beo, who won the 1000 Guineas and the Irish 1,000 Guineas and almost won the French 1000 Guineas, and there is no telling how good he could be."
Ryan Moore: "They have been running the Guineas since 1809 and they have never seen the need for a cutaway until now"
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
New Guineas set up will create draw bias - Moore
BY STUART RILEY12:15AM 1 MAY 2015
FLAT racing's pre-eminent jockey Ryan Moore has criticised Newmarket for the changes they have made to the course set up for this weekend's Guineas, predicting the new alignment will create a draw bias in the season's opening Classics.
In a bid to avoid a repeat of last year's Qipco 2,000 Guineas, in which the field split into two groups, the track have moved the stalls from the middle of the course to the stands' side rail, as well as introducing a cutaway at the two furlong marker.
"I am not sure about this thing that they are doing with the rails," said the three-time champion jockey in his Betfair blog. "They are narrowing the track and putting the stalls on the stands' side, and they will have a cutaway two furlongs out. I'm not sure that that's a good idea.
"Sure, it was not ideal that the field split into two groups in last year's Guineas, but they have been running the Guineas since 1809 and they have never seen the need for a cutaway until now.
"If they race up the stands' rail, the horses drawn on the far side will probably be at a disadvantage. I am drawn 16, towards the near side, it might be an advantage to me, but I still don't think that it is a good idea. I'm not sure who was consulted before the decision was made."
Moore won the 1,000 Guineas in 2012 aboard Homecoming Queen when finishing on the far side. The four-time British Classic-winning jockey is yet to win the 2,000 Guineas.
THE Aidan O'Brien-trained pair of Found and Together Forever will miss Sunday's Qipco 1,000 Guineas after neither horse was among the 13 declared for the 1m fillies Classic.
With the long-time ante-post favourite missing the race, the Jim Bolger-trained Lucida now heads the betting at 4-1, with Fadhayyil next at 13-2 for Barry Hills.
Ryan Moore, who was due to partner Found for his new boss, will instead ride the David Wachman-trained Legatissimo who runs in the Michael Tabor silks, while Joseph O'Brien will partner his father's Qualify.
David Hayes and Tom Dabernig produced a winning Irish import to win an extended jumpout at Flemington on Friday.
There was one heat over 1200m and it was won by Quartz who was ridden along to defeat stablemate and fellow import Goldoni by four lengths. South Australian Derby contender Manapine made ground late and wide out under Dwayne Dunn to finish third in 1:16.15.
A four-year-old Irish-bred son of Fastnet Rock, Quartz won his maiden over a mile on the synthetic surface at Dundalk before defeating eight opponents over nine furlongs at Gowran Park in September last year.
You can watch Quartz in the red jacket win his heat below.
Group winning sprinter Decircles was untroubled winning heat seven.
The Danny O'Brien-trained six-year-old was ridden by Stephen Baster and always under a hold to win his 800m heat in 49.84, run sedately through the first 200m. Decircles defeated Leia by a half length with Invincible Me three lengths off third.
The Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained Rough Justice was untroubled to win heat nine under Katelyn Mallyon, travelling strongly through the line in 50.22 and hard held over Black Sheep with Nicoscene and Coram close up without being tested.
Rough Justice last raced on January 3 when third in the Gold Carat at Moonee Valley over 1200m.
Reparations raced wide out to win the final heat of the morning in 48.97, defeating Paigeâs Boy by one length and travelling smoothly.
The Lee and Anthony Freedman-trained Reparations was last seen in competition when defeating Decircles in the Group III Barton Stakes at Sandown Park on January 26.
Fridayâs jumpouts were conducted on the inside grass, starting from the 1400m with markers out 4m.
