LEFT > Team O'Brien > Declaration of War Magician Giovanni Boldini Wilshire Boulevard & Cristoforo Colombo clear quarantine ready for a workout and last minute preparations
RIGHT > Declaration of War on the Santa Anita track ready for Saturdays Breeders Cup Classic
Aidan O'Brien at Santa Anita (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien is hopeful his two challengers can make an impression in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita on Friday.
O'Brien saddles Giovanni Boldini (Ryan Moore) and Wilshire Boulevard (William Buick), while Richard Hannon and Hughes are represented by Shamshon.
"Both of them like fast ground and we think both of them should get a mile," O'Brien told www.bloodhorse.com.
"They are coming out of solid races and they both haven't had busy campaigns.
"They are both good travellers and are very similar. They are two straightforward horses."
The European team in the Juvenile Turf is completed by Charlie Appleby's Godolphin runner Outstrip, who is partnered by top American jockey Mike Smith.
Appleby feels the fast surface will suit his youngster, who was third in more testing conditions in the Dewhurst Stakes last time.
Appleby said: "In Europe he shows plenty of pace early doors, so I'm hoping he can show that here as well and we can give ourselves a chance of getting into a good position.
"We've got a nice draw in four and Mike Smith knows his way around here, so all those are pluses so far.
"We've just got to hope the horse has got that tactical speed to get himself into a good position and hold that position.
"He's by Exceed And Excel and they generally like a quicker surface.
"We put the Dewhurst down to more testing conditions. He lost his footing a little bit in the dip and he didn't produce that turn of foot.
Tattersalls Horse In Training from Ballydoyle draft:
Special Thanks to Jason Doyle
Day 1
3 year old:
Freewheel (Galileo x La Chunga) Sold to David Nicholls for 37,000gns
Indian Chief (Montjeu x Buck Aspen) Sold to Bobby O'Ryan for 23,000gns
Line Drummer (Galileo x Miss Bio) Sold to ITS Bloodstock for 70,000gns
Twilight Zone (Danehill Dancer x All My Loving) Sold to Paola Masiemo for 7,500gns
Victory Song (Dansili x All Too Beautiful) Sold to Panorama Bloodstock Service for 28,000gns ------------------------------------
2 year old:
Five Star General (High Chaparral x Rainbow Queen) Sold to Jana Duflova for 4,500gns
Folk Hero (Mastercraftsman x Plume Rouge) Sold to Nicholas Caullery for 1,500gns
The Draughtsman (Danehill Dancer x Queen Cleopatra) Sold to Ibrahim Hassan Al-Jehani for 5,000gns
Day 2
3 year old:
Forester (Danehill Dancer x Amenixa) Sold to Priscilla Peelman for 10,000gns
League Of Nations (Galileo x Last Love) Sold to Mark Cuschieri for 15,000gns Piet Mondrian (Danehill Dancer x Last Second) Sold to Abdulaziz Al Boenain for 55,000gns
Army Ranger (Galileo x D'Articleshore) Sold to Mark Cuschieri for 9,000gns
Sardina (Galileo x Shouk) Sold to Paul Nolan for 50,000gns
Lake Nova (Montjeu x Metaphor) Sold to Fethard Bloodstock for 10,000gns
2 year old:
Fair Wind (High Chaparral x Night Teeny) Sold to Bobby O'Ryan for 8,000gns
Emperors Song (Holy Roman Emperor x Song Of The Sea) Sold to Celso Mendez Urena for 6,000gns
Declaration Of War pictured winning at Royal Ascot (Healy Racing Photos)
Declaration of War has been drawn in stall five as he attempts to give Aidan O'Brien a first victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
The American-bred colt won the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International at York during the summer and will run on dirt for the first time at the weekend.
He will be jockey Joseph O'Brien's only ride at the meeting.
The other European runner in the Classic is Marco Botti's Planteur who will break from stall three.
Last year's one-two Fort Larned (seven) and Game On Dude (nine) are back again with Mucho Macho Man leaving gate six.
Sky Bet cut Game On Dude to 5/2 favourite from 3/1 and spokesman Michael Shinners said: "Bob Baffert likes his draw in nine because he's outside the pace horses in the race and following positive track reports, too, we went 5/2 from 3s.
"He's been beaten in the Classic the last two years but everything points to a big run this time around and he looks a worthy favourite."
Declaration of War drawn in stall five for Breeders' Cup
Updated: Tuesday, 29 Oct 2013 10:02 |
Declaration of War will run on dirt for the first time at the weekend
Declaration of War has been drawn in stall five as he attempts to give Aidan O'Brien a first victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
The American-bred colt won the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International at York during the summer and will run on dirt for the first time at the weekend.
He will be jockey Joseph O'Brien's only ride at the meeting.
The other European runner in the Classic is Marco Botti's Planteur who will break from stall three.
Last year's one-two Fort Larned (seven) and Game On Dude (nine) are back again with Mucho Macho Man leaving gate six.
Noah Webster and Robbie Power in control at Naas (Healy Racing Photos)
Akorakor and The Doorman were the main protagonists in the two mile maiden hurdle at Naas, but it was Aidan O’Brien who unleashed Noah Webster to score convincingly.<Akorakor carried a lofty reputation into today having won his point-to-point easily in Lismore in March before winning the champion point-to-point bumper in Fairyhouse at the start of April. This was his first start for Mouse Morris. He was easy to back from 8/13 to 9/10 and didn’t get going today as he came in sixth of the seven runners.< Noah Webster made it three hurdle winners from three for champion flat trainer Aidan O’Brien since he started having runners in that sphere again. This was the son of Galileo’s first appearance over timber and he went off 14/1.
The win didn’t surprise jockey Robbie Power who said: “He did it very well. He was very impressive in a schooling hurdle in Tipperary the other day. He’s going to be a lot better hurdler than a flat horse. He jumped very well and jumped very quickly.”<Noah Webster raced in third, but delivered his challenge on the inside coming to the last and galloped strongly to the line in winning by four lengths. The Doorman, who was very well backed on course from 3/1 to 15/8, kept on for second. He also represented Mouse Morris.
The highest rating Noah Webster achieved on the flat was a mark of 55. He was a nine-race maiden on the flat.
Carriganog forged on from the second last and came home clear in Wexford’s two mile novice hurdle with Robbie Powerdonning the JP McManus silks.
The 8/11 favourite tracked Theatre Milland assumed the lead upon touching down after the second last. From there the contest was quickly over as he quickened away and flew the last in recording a facile 16-lengths success.
The Cookie Jar got up for second at 7/1, from 16/1 this morning, to the delight of his each way backers. He relegatedTheatre Mill into third by a neck.
JP McManus’s racing manager Frank Berry said: "He did it grand. He handled the ground and you couldn’t ask for any more. He will probably go for another novice in a few weeks time, but we will see what Aidan wants to do. He looks a big chaser in the making. He made those hurdles look small."
Robbie Power reported: "He was better today than he was at Clonmel. He was sharper in his jumping and he is a nice horse."<Carriganog was the horse that gave champion flat trainer Aidan O’Brien his first hurdles victory in 11 years when scoring in Clonmel at the start of October.
Adelaide (right) beat Fiscal Focus at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Michael Hussey had a day to remember at Leopardstown today, adding to his feature race success on Craftsman when partnering Adelaide to victory in the mile maiden.
The newcomer by Galileo looked a smart prospect as he quickened up to claimFiscal Focus inside the final furlong and went away in the closing stages for a two-and-a-half length win.
His Ballydoyle stable-mate Gypsy King was sent off the 4/5 favourite but was well held in third.
“He's a nice horse. He switched off well and quickened up well when I asked him,” said Hussey.
“He loved the ground and will be a nice staying horse next year.”
Craftsman has Shining Emerald (mostly hidden) and Michaelmas beaten at Leopardstown (Healy Racing Photos)
Mick Hussey gained a big success when making all on Ballydoyle's supposed second string, Craftsman in the Group 3 JRA Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown.
There didn't appear to be any fluke about it either as the 7/1 chance had his stable companion Michaelmas and odds-on favourite Shining Emerald on the stretch to bridge the gap in the final quarter mile.
That never really looked likely and in the end the Listowel maiden victor and Birdcatcher third crossed the line a length and a short-head to the good.
Hussey explained: "He got his own way. The boss told me to go to the front and make every post a winning one.
"He quickened up well and he kept going.
"I thought he might get tired in the final furlong but he kept at it well. He handled the ground well too.
"That's brilliant – that's my first Group winner. It's my first winner since I joined the yard as well. I've been there since January.
"I rode a winner for them last year (Rain God at Dundalk on Friday October 19th) and I was asked after if I'd like to come down to work there." (GC & EM)
Ryan Moore on Johann Strauss Joseph O'Brien on Century Paul
Hannigan on Buonarroti Racing Post Trophy Jockey Bookings
Century heads O'Brien Post trio
Thu 24th Oct 2013, 12:15
Century winning at Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
The supplemented Century heads a three prong attack on Saturday's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster for Aidan O'Brien.
The son of Montjeu, who won his only start at the Curragh earlier in the month, will be joined by impressive Tipperary winner Buonarroti and the maiden Johann Strauss.
Johnny Murtagh's Altruistic and Pat Shanahan's Dolce N Karama add further Irish interest.
Richard Hannon will rely on Chief Barker after deciding to give the race a miss with National Stakes winner Toormore.
The pair, who are both owned by Middleham Park Racing, boast unbeaten records with each juvenile winning three times already this season.
However, it is thought the likely easy ground on Town Moor will suit Chief Barker, who beat subsequent Fillies' Mile winner Chriselliam last time time out, much more than previous Group One winner Toormore.
"Doncaster have had more than 12 millimetres of rain this week, so inevitably the ground will be slow, so we have decided to run Chief Barker and not Toormore, who will now be put away until next year when he will have a Guineas preparation," the trainer told www.richardhannonracing.co.uk.
"Toormore is all class but his speed would be blunted by soft ground, whereas Chief Barker, a good horse in his own right, is more the grinder so arguably better suited to the testing conditions."
Roger Varian supplemented his Autumn Stakes winner Kingston Hill earlier in the week and he takes his chance.
There were two other supplementary entries, the well-fancied Godolphin hope Pinzolo and Sir Michael Stoute's 11-length maiden winner Snow Sky.
Aiming to keep the prize in the north of England are Mark Johnston's Royal Lodge runner-up Somewhat and Kevin Ryan's The Grey Gatsby.
War looms for Joseph O'Brien in Breeders' Cup Classic
Updated: Wednesday, 23 Oct 2013 20:49
Declaration Of War will race on dirt for the first and last time in the Breeders' Cup Classic
Ryan Moore is set to come in for a few Ballydoyle rides at the Breeders' Cup with trainer Aidan O'Brien confirming his son Joseph will only be able to partner the Classic-bound Declaration Of War at Santa Anita next week.
O'Brien has four other entries - Magician, Cristoforo Colombo plus both Wilshire Boulevard and Giovanni Boldini in the Juvenile Turf - but Joseph will not be able to make the weight.
"He'll ride only the one, Declaration Of War," said O' Brien by telephone at a Breeders' Cup press conference.
"I imagine Ryan will ride most of the others."
Declaration Of War is having his final start before he retires to stud and has had a fabulous season, landing the Juddmonte International and Queen Anne as well as producing three other respectable efforts at Group One level.
Trying dirt for the first time, the son of War Front has the right sort of pedigree for the task and missed last weekend's British Champions Day meeting when the ground was too soft for him.
O'Brien said: "He ran in all those races, close enough over different distances, and he has an unbelievable constitution.
"He likes to be covered just off the pace to produce that burst. He has a lot of speed and first time on dirt, it will be interesting to see, but he's in good shape and we're very happy with him.
"There are dirt horses on both the sire and the dam's side, so we're looking forward to seeing him race."
O'Brien has had seven wins at the prestigious American meeting so far but it is 13 years since he went so close in the Classic, when the 'iron horse' Giant's Causeway was beaten a quarter of a length by Tiznow at Churchill Downs.
"I suppose this horse is like Giant's Causeway in many ways, but he must just be the stronger traveller," said the trainer
An impressive winner of both the Dee Stakes at Chester and the Irish 2000 Guineas, the son of Galileo has not been seen since a very disappointing effort in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot, for which he had suffered an intererrupted preparation.
"We left him in the mile and the mile-and-a-half races, and it's very possible he could go for the mile and a half," said O'Brien.
"He ran a mile and a quarter at Chester, where he travelled well and quickened up well, and he just went wrong before Ascot, and it was all a bit much to overcome.
"He's had a good break, a few days away, and we're happy with him. The faster ground, the better."
Were Magician to contest the Turf, traditionally one of the European squad's most profitable races, and one O'Brien has claimed with both St Nicholas Abbey and High Chaparral, he could face Irish Champion Stakes star The Fugue as well as Jeremy Noseda's American expert Grandeur.
John Gosden's The Fugue is the ante-post favourite, and is fancied by British Horseracing Authority handicapper Phil Smith.
He said: "She has beaten the boys and gets a fillies' allowance, so she looks to be our best chance."
Another doubly entered from the Ballydoyle team is Cristoforo Colombo, who was fifth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket but has only won a minor event at Dundalk this season. He was seventh in a six-furlong event at the Curragh 10 days ago.
"He's in the Mile, that's the race we were thinking of running in," said O'Brien, who said the colt would be "a possible for the Turf Sprint" if he did not get into the Mile.
"It just didn't work for him last time, Joseph (O'Brien) said he's better than that. There's no doubt he wants fast ground."
Possible other European runners in the Mile are Flotilla and Mshawish for Mikel Delzangles, while Richard Hannon will take across either Toronado or Olympic Glory, but not both.
Aidan O'Brien's six-times Group One winner had to be retired after suffering the leg injury on the gallops at Ballydoyle when being prepared for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Just two days after he underwent a major leg operation at Fethard Equine Hospital in July, the six-year-old had to have emergency surgery to be treated for colic. He had a further setback in August when it was discovered a steel weight-bearing pin in a cannon bone had broken.
Reports over the last few weeks had been positive, but Coolmore tweeted a statement on Wednesday evening which read: "St Nicholas Abbey has suffered a setback over the last 24 hours having developed mild laminitic changes in the left fore.
"This is disappointing as he is now weight bearing and walking well on the operated (fractured) leg which has healed amazingly well to date.
"Although laminitis could be a life threatening complication we are hoping the condition will stabilise.
"Obviously the next weeks are critical in his recovery but St Nicholas Abbey remains comfortable with a good appetite and incredible attitude."
St Nicholas Abbey has suffered a setback over the last 24 hours having developed mild laminitic changes in the left fore. This is disappointing as he is now weight bearing and walking well on the operated (fractured) leg which has healed amazingly well to date.
Although laminitis could be a life threatening complication we are hoping the condition will stabilise. Consultations are on-going between veterinary surgeons Dr Tom O’Brien and Dr Ger Kelly of Fethard Equine Hospital and the USA based Dr Dean Richardson (Head of Surgery at New Bolton Centre Pennsylvania) and Dr Scott Morrison (Head of podiatry at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Kentucky) regarding the best possible treatment plan for St Nicholas Abbey.
Obviously the next weeks are critical in his recovery but St Nicholas Abbey remains comfortable with a good appetite & incredible attitude.
Beach Of Falesa and Joseph O'Brien return to the winners enclosure (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O’Brien moved onto the 125 winner mark in his record-breaking season when producing Beach Of Falesa with a well-timed challenge to take the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.
The top-weight was certainly the class act here, and the presence of the 93-rated filly meant four of the nine runners had to race from out of the handicap proper.
O’Brien settled the four-year-old, owned by his mother Anne Marie and trained by his father Aidan, in rear and made steady progress between horses in the straight.
The 7/1 chance swept to the front over a furlong out, and kept on really well to beat the well-backed 100/30 favourite Sli Na Fiarana by nearly five lengths.
Sheilas Wish (9/2) was another half a length adrift in third.
Joseph O’Brien said, “She’s a difficult ride as she can be a bit keen. She relaxed really well today, and when things go right for her she’s a good mare on her day. Hopefully we might get her placed in a stakes race.”
Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien are set to team up at Santa Anita (Healy Racing Photos)
Ryan Moore is set to come in for a few Ballydoyle rides at the Breeders' Cup with trainer Aidan O'Brien confirming his son Joseph will only be able to partner the Classic-bound Declaration Of War at Santa Anita next week.
O'Brien has four other entries - Magician, Cristoforo Colombo plus both Wilshire Boulevard and Giovanni Boldini in the Juvenile Turf - but Joseph will not be able to make the weight.
"He'll ride only the one, Declaration Of War," said O' Brien by telephone at a Breeders' Cup press conference. "I imagine Ryan will ride most of the others."
Declaration Of War is having his final start before he retires to stud and has had a fabulous season, landing the Juddmonte International and Queen Anne as well as producing three other respectable efforts at Group One level.
Trying dirt for the first time, the son of War Front has the right sort of pedigree for the task and missed last weekend's British Champions Day meeting when the ground was too soft for him.
O'Brien said: "He ran in all those races, close enough over different distances, and he has an unbelievable constitution.
"He likes to be covered just off the pace to produce that burst. He has a lot of speed and first time on dirt, it will be interesting to see, but he's in good shape and we're very happy with him.
"There are dirt horses on both the sire and the dam's side, so we're looking forward to seeing him race."
O'Brien has had seven wins at the prestigious American meeting so far but it is 13 years since he went so close in the Classic, when the 'iron horse' Giant's Causeway was beaten a quarter of a length by Tiznow at Churchill Downs.
"I suppose this horse is like Giant's Causeway in many ways, but he may just be the stronger traveller," said the trainer.
Ballydoyle Entries Breeders Cup
Comments come from Breeders Cup Website not my personal opinions
CLASSIC Declaration of War Won two Group 1 races this year in England for sharp barn; dirt ability is obviously the big question 15-1
TURF Magician Did win the Irish 2000 Guineas, but his last start 4 1/2 months ago was poor; never been this distance 12-1
MILE Magician The Turf is his first choice even though he won the Irish 2000 Guineas; his last was poor, however 15/1
TURF SPRINT Cristoforo Colombo Mile is his first preference; off his form this year, though, he doesn't look like he belongs in either race 30-1
TURF JUVENILE COLTS Giovanni Boldini Improving form Ireland includes G1 third/synthetic stakes win, trainer won this race 2011 and 2012 6-1
Wilshire Boulevard European import G3 winner unproven beyond 6f, unproven around a turn, vulnerable if he ships 8-1
Declaration Of War beating Trading Leather at York (Healy Racing Photos)
Declaration Of War will retire to Coolmore Stud in County Tipperary after he has signed off his racing career in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Saturday week.
The four-year-old, trained by Aidan O'Brien, has proved himself to be a top-notch performer this season with victories in two Group One races, the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
"Declaration Of War has danced every dance this season and will have one more run in the Breeders' Cup Classic," O'Brien told www.coolmore.com.
"He has an unbelievable constitution and is a lot like Giant's Causeway, a big, powerful, strong traveller, so we're hopeful he'll run well."
Coolmore manager Christy Grassick is excited to have the son of War Front to add to the stallion ranks next year.
"Unbeaten as a two-year-old in France, Declaration Of War won two of Britain's highest-profile Group Ones this summer and is a very imposing horse to look at," he said.
"His sire War Front is probably the most sought after stallion in America at the moment and his dam is a half-sister to star two-year-old and American classic winner Union Rags. He's a hugely exciting prospect."
Declaration Of War to Coolmore after Classic (22nd October 2013)
Declaration Of War will retire to Coolmore’s headquarters in Fethard, Co. Tipperary following his final start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 2. The son of War Front won the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes over a mile at Royal Ascot in June and added another Group 1 to his CV when defeating Trading Leather and Al Kazeem to win the Juddmonte International Stakes at York (pictured) in a time bettered only by Sea The Stars.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien said “Declaration Of War has danced every dance this season and will have one more run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. He has an unbelievable constitution and is a lot like Giant’s Causeway, a big, powerful, strong traveller, so we’re hopeful that he’ll run well.
“Unbeaten as a two-year-old in France, Declaration Of War won two of Britain’s highest profile Group 1’s this summer and is a very imposing horse to look at,” said Coolmore manager Christy Grassick. “His sire War Front is probably the most sought after stallion in America at the moment and his dam is a half-sister to star two-year-old and American classic winner Union Rags. He’s a hugely exciting prospect.”
Declaration Of War wins the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June
PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)
BY TONY SMURTHWAITE5:35PM 22 OCT 2013
DECLARATION OF WAR is to contest the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic on November 2 then head into retirement, according to a statement from Coolmore Stud on Tuesday.
The dual Group 1-winning son of War Front is to start stallion duties next year at Coolmore's headquarters in Fethard, County Tipperary, at a fee to be announced.
Before then he will head to Santa Anita for a farewell in a race that has eluded trainer Aidan O'Brien on a number of occasions, not least in dramatic circumstances in 2000 when Giant's Causeway missed out by a neck to Tiznow, and again in 2008 when Henrythenavigator beat all bar Raven's Pass.
O'Brien said: "Declaration Of War has danced every dance this season and will have one more run in the Breeders' Cup Classic. He has an unbelievable constitution and is a lot like Giant's Causeway, a big, powerful, strong traveller, so we're hopeful that he'll run well."
Bookmakers rate Declaration Of War a 10-1 shot for the Classic behind 7-2 favourite Game On Dude, who is unbeaten in six starts since losing out as 5-4 favourite in last season's Classic.
This season Declaraton Of War has won the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes over a mile at Royal Ascot in June and the Juddmonte International over 1m2½f at York in August. He began his career with Jean-Claude Rouget in France, winning both races as a two-year-old.
"Unbeaten as a two-year-old in France, Declaration Of War won two of Britain's highest-profile Group 1 races this summer and is a very imposing horse to look at," said Coolmore manager Christy Grassick.
"His sire War Front is probably the most sought after stallion in America at the moment and his dam is a half-sister to star two-year-old and American Classic winner Union Rags. He's a hugely exciting prospect."
Navan's Bet Online At thetote.com Maiden has been used by Aidan O'Brien as a springboard to stardom and the Ballydoyle trainer is double-handed this year.
The likes of Fame And Glory, Recital and Macarthur are on the roll of honour and aiming to follow in their hoofprints are recent C & D runner-up Belisarius and Montjeu newcomer Adjusted.
Jim Bolger broke O'Brien's stranglehold on the race 12 months ago with subsequent Group One winner Loch Garman and this time relies on Evason, who was just ahead of the reopposing Abushamah when second on his Tipperary debut.
Bolger should have high hopes for Freedom Square in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap (1.35), which has attracted just the three runners. The top-weight has his sights lowered after contesting Listed races either side of the Futurity.
Bolger pitched Intense Light into the deep end on her racecourse introduction and she didn't let him down by finishing fourth in a Listed heat at the Curragh. She sets the standard in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies Maiden.
O'Brien supplemented Century for the Racing Post Trophy on Monday and the form of his Curragh success goes on trial when Dermot Weld's fourth home Bush Pilot takes in the Tote Pick Six Maiden.
His stable companion Grecian Tiger has a bright jumping future but showed his mettle on the level by beating subsequent winner Egyptian Warrior at Gowran Park last month, and an initial mark of 80 doesn't seem too harsh for what is admittedly a competitive Tote Mobile Betting Handicap.
The richest contest on the card is the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap, which sees Saturday's Cork scorer Susiescot attempting to defy a 5lb penalty. She gets over a stone from O'Brien's top-weight Beach Of Falesa, who has been competing in Listed races.
Century makes a successful debut at the Curragh (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien has added Century to his potential team for Saturday's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.
The Ballydoyle handler has decided to supplement his Montjeu colt, who made a successful debut at the Curragh two weeks ago and he is one of four for O'Brien, along with Buonarroti, Johann Strauss and Red Rocks Point.
Kingston Hill has also been supplemented for the Group One over a mile, and trainer Roger Varian told his website: "He is in great form and hasn't put a foot wrong since winning the Autumn Stakes (Group Three at Newmarket earlier this month).
"He has shown on both his starts that he handles cut in the ground and we feel that there is more to come from him. He has the right profile for a race such as the Racing Post Trophy."
There were two other supplementary entries - Pinzolo and Snow Sky - among a list of 13 at the confirmation stage.
The Godolphin-owned Pinzolo, trained by Charlie Appleby, is unbeaten in two starts with wins at Newmarket and Newbury, while Snow Sky, owned by Khalid Abdullah and trained by Sir Michael Stoute, got off the mark at the third attempt when hacking up by 11 lengths in a Salisbury maiden over a mile.
Toormore, who took his 100% record to three with victory in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh, could step up to a mile.
His trainer Richard Hannon has also left in Chief Barker, who is unbeaten in three races as well and took the scalp of subsequent Shadwell Fillies' Mile winner Chriselliam at Haydock last time.
Both are owned by Middleham Park Racing, and spokesman Tim Palin said: "We'll make a decision a bit later in the week. The rain could change the dynamic.
"We were at the Hannons on Sunday and saw them work. We were all delighted with both horses so it was decided to leave them both in. There are two different syndicates with just a couple of people in both.
"They are mainly mutually exclusive and both sets of owners were keen to leave them in and hopefully take their chance but we need to monitor things during the week, see what the weather does and what the going is and give them both a piece of work and see how that goes as well.
"If the ground was good it would favour Toormore, softer ground would suit Chief Barker. We will just monitor things and make a decision on Thursday. We're in the lap of the gods regarding the weather but other than that, there is no reason why both can't run.
"At this stage of his career Toormore doesn't need a slog in a bog. Those conditions would suit Chief Barker."
Classic Dec Of War - Dirt mile Afonso De Sousa - Fillies Juve Tapestry - Colts Juve Giovanni Boldini -Wilshire Boulevard Mile Afonso De Sousa Darwin Magician Turf Sprint Cristoforo Colombo Darwin Filly Mare Sprint Sea Siren
Four added to field for Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster
Updated: Monday, 21 Oct 2013 14:17
Kingston Hill won over a mile at the first attempt in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket earlier this month
Kingston Hill, Pinzolo, Snow Sky and Century have all been supplemented for the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday.
The Roger Varian-trained Kingston Hill, owned by Paul Smith, has been added to the Group One feature over a mile after winning both his starts so far.
Varian told his website: "He is in great form and hasn't put a foot wrong since winning the Autumn Stakes (Group Three at Newmarket earlier this month).
"He has shown on both his starts that he handles cut in the ground and we feel that there is more to come from him.
"He has the right profile for a race such as the Racing Post Trophy."
The Godolphin-owned Pinzolo, trained by Charlie Appleby, is also unbeaten two starts with wins at Newmarket and Newbury.
Snow Sky, owned by Khalid Abullah and trained by Michael Stoute, got off the mark at the third attempt when hacking up by 11 lengths in a Salisbury maiden over a mile.
Century, trained by Aidan O'Brien, made a successful debut at the Curragh two weeks ago.
The son of Montjeu is one of four possibles from O'Brien's Ballydoyle stable along with Buonarroti, Johann Strauss and Red Rocks Point.
Toormore, who took his 100% record to three with victory in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh, could step up to a mile.
His trainer Richard Hannon has also left in Chief Barker, who is also unbeaten in three races and took the scalp of subsequent Shadwell Fillies' Mile winner Chriselliam at Haydock last time.
Completing the list of entries are Altruistic, Dolce N Karama, Somewhat and The Grey Gatsby.
A Star Is Born (left) beats Al Murqab, with Diamond Daze in third (Healy Racing Photos)
The drop back to a mile proved just the ticket for A Star Is Born (7/1) as the well-bred Galileo filly gained a valuable winning bracket in the concluding maiden at Cork.
A full-sister to none less than multiple Group 1 winner Rip Van Winkle, she has been campaigned recently over a mile and a half but rallied strongly in the closing stages here to open her account.
Seamie Heffernan was seen at his strongest on the Ballydoyle-trained filly, staying on best in the closing stages to get the better of well-backed 5/2 chance Al Murqab by a neck.
Diamond Daze (12/1) was another length and a half back in third.
Heffernan said, “She shows us more at home but is late maturing and has quite a keen way of going.”
Ruler Of The World winning the Investec Derby at Epsom (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien does not expect the drop from a mile and a half to a mile and a quarter to inconvenience Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.
The Galileo colt has not run over so short a distance since winning his maiden at the Curragh back in April, and last time out finished seventh behind Treve in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
"The Arc didn't work out for him as he had little luck in running, but he came out of the race very well and we're very happy with him," the trainer told www.coolmore.com.
"We always thought dropping back to a mile and a quarter would be worth trying and we think the distance should suit him. He has shown he can handle ease in the ground and he is in good form."
Parish Hall is stepping back up to the top table in the Group One contest after suffering his fair share of problems since winning the 2011 Dewhurst.
Jim Bolger's colt retains plenty of ability and since returning from an 18-month absence he has won twice, most recently striking gold in a Group Three on the all-weather at Dundalk.
The trainer said: "Parish Hall missed the whole of last season, he's had a lot of problems. It's good that we've got him back and he won well at Dundalk, but the problem for him is that he much prefers the top of the ground. There's nothing else for him, though, so we may as well run as he's in such good form."
Godolphin's talented but fragile Farhh made a brilliant seasonal reappearance in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, but he has not been seen in competitive action since and takes his chance over a mile and a quarter this weekend instead of tackling the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "He seems in very good form. He won the Lockinge, had an injury after the race and we gave him a nice break. He has come back and is working well and is in good condition. He won well at a mile in the Lockinge, but also he has run the mile and a quarter very well in the past and good to soft ground is no problem for him.
"He is fit and well. Cirrus Des Aigles is the one to beat, he is a very good horse. But, at the same time, Group One races are always tough and our horse is good enough to be there."
Masai strides to victory under Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Masai completed a quick double for Joseph O’Brien, as he took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, on his third career start.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the son of Oasis Dream finished an encouraging third on his debut at Leopardstown in September, but he then disappointed on heavy ground at Listowel.
Having opened at 4/6 this morning with Paddy Power, the bay colt went from 4/9 to his starting price of 2/5 clear favourite on-course.
Settled behind the leaders, he came with his challenge on the outside two furlongs out, hitting the front a furlong from home, keeping on well from there to score comfortably by three and a half lengths.
Joseph O’Brien, who was recording his 123rd winner of the season, said afterwards: "We ran him on soft ground as we thought he might just get away with it, but he just couldn’t handle the ground at Listowel. He was much happier on that surface and he stayed on well."
The winner who cost 135,000 Guineas as a yearling, holds an entry in the 2000 Guineas at the Curragh next year.
Ryan Moore rides Ruler Of The World in the QIPCO Champions Stakes rather than Sir Michael Stoute's Hillstar.
Moore is stable jockey for the Newmarket handler and it had, therefore, been widely expected that he would partner the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes third.
He is, however, set to continue his partnership with Aidan O'Brien's Ruler Of The World, having guided him to victory in the Investec Derby at Epsom in June and been aboard for the colt's last two runs in France.
Champion Jockey Richard Hughes will now ride Hillstar, winner of the King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal meeting.
The field of ten runners is headed by ante-post favourite Cirrus Des Aigles who is bidding to regain his crown at Ascot on Saturday.
The French-trained seven-year-old took the honours in 2011 and put up a sterling effort when beaten only a length and three-quarters by Frankel 12 months ago.
He has taken time to come to form this season after suffering a setback late last year, but victories on his last two starts have shown Corine Barande-Barbe's stable star is no back number.
Farhh has been declared for this race rather than the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The Saeed bin Suroor-trained entire has not raced since winning the Lockinge Stakes over a mile at Newbury in May.
Godolphin have a second representative in Hunter's Light from the same yard.
The line-up is completed by Mukhadram, Main Sequence, Parish Hall, Morandi and Triple Threat.
O'Brien withdrew his three other entries - Declaration Of War, Kingsbarns and Magician - at the final declaration, with Kingsbarns running in the QEII.
Trading Leather and Sky Lantern were the other absentees.
Ballydoyle's domination of the domestic scene continues apace and Sparrow's win in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at The Curragh today was yet another winner for one of world racing's super-powers.
Sparrow, completing a double on the day for trainer Aidan and his jockey/son Joseph O'Brien, was the 126th winner of the season for O'Brien Senior and a 121st for the winning jockey, who recently broke Michael Kinane's 20 year old record for winners ridden in one season.
Following Sparrow's (the heavily backed 4/9 favourite) win, the winning trainer stated “Joseph was very happy with her and she's progressed with every run. We'll leave her off until next year and start her off in one of the Guineas Trials next year.
“Joseph felt she would like to go up in trip and she won't be going back to sprints.”
Dance With Another and Joseph O'Brien (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien notched up win number 119 of a record breaking year for the Champion Jockey elect when taking the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at The Curragh today on Dance With Another, trained by his father Aidan O'Brien.
By daughter of Danehill Dancer and out of triple Classic placed Quarter Moon, Dance With Another raced prominently throughout and stayed on well inside the final furlong to comfortably defeat Achnaha.
The mile event was the first of five maiden races at the venue for its closing fixture of the year and Aidan O'Brien Senior stated “she (Dance With Another) is progressing with her runs and has been coming on. When she got to the front she just veered around a bit though and Joseph said she probably wants to get there later; her dam was a bit like that also.
“She probably won't run again this year but we'll start her off early next year. She'll stay well and should handle a dig in the ground.”
Aidan O'Brien could rely on either Kingsbarns or Ruler Of The World in Saturday's Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot after admitting to fears about ground conditions for both Declaration Of War and Magician.
The Ballydoyle handler left the quartet of runners in this weekend's 10-furlong Group One at Monday's confirmation stage, with Kingsbarns, Declaration Of War and Magician also among the entries for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on the same card.
However, with ground conditions at Ascot looking certain to be on the easy side, Declaration Of War could be saved for a trip to the Breeders' Cup meeting in California next month, while Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Magician, not seen since finishing last in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, also looks likely to miss Champions Day.
Speaking at Limerick on Monday afternoon, O'Brien told At The Races: "Declaration Of War could maybe struggle to run, because if the ground is not good or better he won't run.
"If he doesn't run, he'll probably go straight to the (Breeders' Cup) Classic. Magician is a little bit the same, he wants real good ground as well.
"Ruler Of The World and Kingsbarns are in and both of those have form with ease in the ground, so maybe they'll run if the rain keeps coming as it is.
"He's (Kingsbarns) in the Queen Elizabeth and he's in the Champion and Ruler Of The World is only in the Champion. Whether the two of them will run in one or they'll split up, I'm not sure."
Last year's Racing Post Trophy hero Kingsbarns has made just one appearance as a three-year-old, finishing tailed off in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
"The Fugue and himself just collided after crossing the road in Leopardstown and we think he knocked his legs together as Joseph (O'Brien) felt he lost his action for a furlong," said O'Brien.
"He couldn't move on him when that was happening and when you sit on him for a furlong and half, he was too far out of it then and he just let him coast home. He's been in good form since."
A total of 15 horses are still in contention for the Champion Stakes, with French ace Cirrus Des Aigles taking top billing.
Winner of the race in 2011 and second to the brilliant Frankel 12 months ago, Corine Barande-Barbe's pride and joy endured a disappointing start to the campaign but looked right back to his best when winning the Prix Dollar at Longchamp last time.
Godolphin's hugely talented but fragile five-year-old Farhh is set to make his first appearance since his brilliant win in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, but connections have yet to decide whether he will run in the Champion Stakes or the QEII.
Jim Bolger has both Parish Hall and Trading Leather engaged at the confirmation stage and Richard Hannon's Sky Lantern is another with a Champion Stakes entry as an alternative to the QEII.
Mukhadram and Hillstar are others still in the Champion Stakes mix.
By: Dave Ord, Will Hayler, Michael Shinners and Ben Linfoot
Last Updated: October 14 2013, 16:17 BST
Dave Ord (DO), Will Hayler (WH), Michael Shinners (MS) and Ben Linfoot (BL) take a look back at Future Champions Day and what we learnt from the weekend.
The Dewhurst - usually an excellent guide to the next year's Classics. Same again this time?
DO: It seemed the done thing to crab War Command in the immediate aftermath of his win on Saturday but I was reasonably impressed. He travelled well through the first five furlongs and while he needed shaking up to fend off Cable Bay, he was well on top at the finish. He looks to have a very solid 2000 Guineas profile and if he turns up at Newmarket next spring, he won't be a double figure price.
MS: I felt that War Command was workmanlike rather than scintillating. In winning the race he showed his versatility on the ground and also proved that he has the battling qualities to be a very good 3 year old. However in beating Cable Bay by just under 2 lengths, his performance also suggested that he needs to improve over the winter if he is going to take next year's 2000 Guineas. We went 8/1 from 10/1.
BL: The absence of Kingman was undoubtedly a blow to the race but I would be wary of dismissing the Dewhurst form despite Cable Bay's proximity in second. Charlie Hills' horse was flattered to finish where he did, lying closer to the pace than Outstrip and Anjaal and getting first run on the pair. In time I'm sure those two will prove to be better than they appeared to be on Saturday. As for the winner, I was impressed by his effort considering he's a completely different horse on fast ground. If there's 'firm' in the going description come the Guineas next May, he's a huge player.
WH: I have to agree with Ben. At this stage, I'd rather be with War Command than Kingman for the 2000 Guineas, but the former is nearly twice the price of the latter in places. It's almost certain to be quicker ground at Newmarket next spring than it was on Saturday and that's sure to suit.
Last year's 2000 Guineas and dual Derby winner Camelot has been retired, owners Coolmore have announced.
Aidan O'Brien celebrates with Camelot after last year's Derby
Camelot was being trained for the Breeders' Cup Turf next month but was found to be lame this morning.Trained by Aidan O'Brien, the four-year-old fell short of his best form this season, winning just one of his three starts.
Unbeaten as a two-year-old, including a Group One win in the Racing Post Trophy, Camelot excelled at three.
Victory in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket was followed by a smooth display in the Derby at Epsom before he had to show his courage to win the Irish equivalent.
The son of Montjeu then attempted to become the first horse since Nijinsky to win the Triple Crown but had to settle for a three-quarter-length second to Encke in the St Leger before finishing down the field in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
After that race he was struck down with a bad bout of colic and while he returned with a Group Three win at the Curragh this season, he finished behind Al Kazeem in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot and did not run again.
"From the very first time we saw him at the sales we just loved him," O'Brien told www.coolmore.com.
"He was the perfect racehorse, a beautiful horse with a terrific action. Speed, class and a super-intelligent horse to go with it - he had it all.
"Unfortunately we never saw the same brilliance on the racecourse as we had done before his colic operation, but he was showing signs of it at home in recent weeks so it's obviously disappointing that he won't get the opportunity to run again."
Camelot will stand at Coolmore next season, with his fee yet to be announced.
Camelot retired
Mon 14th Oct 2013, 13:16
Camelot (Healy Racing Photos)
Last year's 2000 Guineas and dual Derby winner Camelot has been retired, owners Coolmore have announced.
Trained by Aidan O'Brien, the four-year-old fell short of his best form this season, winning just one of his three starts.
Camelot was being trained for the Breeders' Cup Turf next month but was found to be lame this morning.
Unbeaten as a two-year-old, including a Group One win in the Racing Post Trophy, Camelot excelled at three.
Victory in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket was followed by a smooth display in the Derby at Epsom before he had to show his courage to win the Irish equivalent.
The son of Montjeu then attempted to become the first horse since Nijinsky to win the Triple Crown but had to settle for a three-quarter-length second to Encke in the St Leger before finishing down the field in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
After that race he was struck down with a bad bout of colic and while he returned with a Group Three win at the Curragh this season, he finished behind Al Kazeem in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot and did not run again.
"From the very first time we saw him at the sales we just loved him," O'Brien said.
"He was the perfect racehorse, a beautiful horse with a terrific action. Speed, class and a super-intelligent horse to go with it - he had it all.
"Unfortunately we never saw the same brilliance on the racecourse as we had done before his colic operation, but he was showing signs of it at home in recent weeks so it's obviously disappointing that he won't get the opportunity to run again."
Camelot will stand at Coolmore next season, with his fee yet to be announced.
Guineas and Derby winner Camelot is retired (14th October 2013)
Brilliant 2-year-old and triple classic winner Camelot has been retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore for the 2014 breeding season. The son of Montjeu who was being trained for the Breeders’ Cup Turf was found to be lame pulling out this morning and although not a serious injury it would mean missing exercise for at least a week which would preclude him from going to Santa Anita.
An unbeaten Group 1 winner of the Racing Post Trophy as a 2-year-old, Camelot returned to action with a win in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket where he came from near last with only two furlongs to run. He then became only the third horse since Nijinsky to land the Guineas/Derby double following Nashwan and Sea The Stars when scoring by an eased-down five lengths (pictured). Next time out he landed the Irish Derby before losing out narrowly to surprise winner Encke when bidding for Triple Crown glory in the St Leger.
“From the very first time we saw him at the sales we just loved him” said trainer Aidan O’Brien. “He was the perfect racehorse, a beautiful horse with a terrific action. Speed, class and a super-intelligent horse to go with it – he had it all. Unfortunately we never saw the same brilliance on the racecourse as we had done before his colic operation but he was showing signs of it at home in recent weeks so it’s obviously disappointing that he won’t get the opportunity to run again.”
The only Guineas winner by Montjeu, Camelot is out of Kingmambo’s daughter Tarfah, winner of the Group 3 Dahlia Stakes. A 525,000 guineas yearling purchase at Newmarket he was the highest-priced colt to enter training at Ballydoyle that year.
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag are the latest colts to make the move from Aidan O'Brien to South African maestro Mike de Kock.
It has proved a fruitful switch in recent years, with Ballydoyle cast-offs Eagle Mountain, Archipenko and Master Of Hounds among those to have gone on to score at the highest level for De Kock.
It was confirmed in August the talented Mars would be making the move and now Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten and Group Three winner Flying The Flag have also been snapped up.
However, Coolmore supremo John Magnier will be retaining an interest in both horses.
De Kock said: "We are delighted in having secured the pair of colts and thanks to Coolmore for their continued support.
"Mary Slack and Michael Javett have both been very supportive of our international ventures this year and we are excited for Jessica Slack, who has taken her first step into buying shares of already raced prospects at this level."
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag will be shipped to Dubai for the 2014 International Racing Carnival and De Kock said: "Besides their racing ability and promise for Dubai, both have stallion potential."
Mike De Kock gets Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag are the latest colts to make the move from Aidan O'Brien to South African maestro Mike de Kock.
It has proved a fruitful switch in recent years, with Ballydoyle cast-offs Eagle Mountain, Archipenko and Master Of Hounds among those to have gone on to score at the highest level for De Kock.
It was confirmed in August the talented Mars would be making the move and now Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten and Group Three winner Flying The Flag have also been snapped up.
However, Coolmore supremo John Magnier will be retaining an interest in both horses.
Speaking on his website, De Kock said: "We are delighted in having secured the pair of colts and thanks to Coolmore for their continued support.
"Mary Slack and Michael Javett have both been very supportive of our international ventures this year and we are excited for Jessica Slack, who has taken her first step into buying shares of already raced prospects at this level."
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag will be shipped to Dubai for the 2014 International Racing Carnival and De Kock said: "Besides their racing ability and promise for Dubai, both have stallion potential."
Heirloom (centre) stays on best for Joseph O'Brien to beat Sir Walter Scott (right) (Healy Racing Photos)
Heirloom led home a 1-2 for Ballydoyle when completing a double for Aidan & Joseph O’Brien in the Join Go Racing In Kildare 2014 Finale Stakes.
The Dansili colt came off a strong pace to lead a furlong out, and kept on well to beat long-time absent stablemate Sir Walter Scott by two and a quarter lengths to leave the record-breaking Joseph O'Brien on the 119 winner mark for the season.
Jazz Girl ensured the mile and a half contest was a truly run affair, and was closely tracked by Drifting Mist with the remainder of the nine-runner field well strong out.<Drifting Mist took it up briefly early in the straight asp>Jazz Girl gave way and, although headed by the winner a furlong out, held on for third spot in this Listed event.
“He stays well and I was delighted with both of them.Heirloom has been progressing with every run. He wants nice ground and a fast run mile and a half. He’s a big horse who should continue to progress next year,” said O’Brien.
Century gets the better of Marakoush (Healy Racing Photos)
Century made a winning debut in the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden, scoring for the father and son team of Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
The bay son of Montjeu was 7/2 this morning with Paddy Power, but he opened on-course at 5/2, before going off an 11/4 chance.
Held up towards the rear in the early stages, he was pushed along and made progress in eighth from two furlongs out.
He was ridden to challenge a furlong from home, soon hitting the front, going on from there to score by a length and a half.
All the money came for the John Oxx trained newcomer Marakoush, and after opening at 3/1 this morning with Paddy Power, he went from 11/4 to clear 15/8 favouritism on-course.
He hit the front two furlongs out but he had no answer when headed by the winner inside the final furlong, and he had to settle for second, while Prince Of All ran a cracker to finish two and a half lengths back in third under Fergal Lynch for Paul Deegan at 25/1.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He was very slow coming out and I thought he couldn’t win from there.
"He was very green, he had to come through horses and he will have learned a lot from that.
"He was just ready to start. We will see how he comes out of this and it is possible he could run again this year."
Aidan O'Brien's War Command in charge at Dewhurst Stakes in
Newmarket
Updated: Saturday, 12 Oct 2013 15:57 |
War Command came home a length and a half clear
War Command gave trainer Aidan O'Brien a belated first two-year-old Group One triumph of the season when lifting the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
However, it was a workmanlike rather than an impressive victory for the Coventry Stakes winner.
War Command, the 10-11 favourite, was hard ridden by Joseph O'Brien to hold 20-1 shot Cable Bay by a length and a quarter. Outstrip was third and Anjaal fourth.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
O'Brien senior said: "I'm delighted with the horse as I was very worried about the ground. He's a good-actioned horse and when it was very quick at Ascot, that was what he wanted.
"There is only one Dewhurst and we had to get him out. I'd say he's done for the year now and I think he'll get a mile next season."
War in Command in the Dewhurst
Sat 12th Oct 2013, 15:43
War Command (Healy Racing Photos)
War Command justified strong market support to give Aidan O'Brien a third win in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Coventry Stakes winner was sent off the 10/11 favourite and travelled powerfully through the early stages under the trainer's son Joseph. However he had to be asked a serious question to shake off Cable Bay inside the distance.
The son of War Front responded willingly to seize the initiative and score by a length-and-a-quarter from the gallant 20/1 runner-up.
Outstrip raced in the winner's slipstream but could never land a a blow in third while Anjaal was fourth despite never looking happy at any stage of the race.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
War in Command gives Aidan O'Brien more Dewhurst joy
Last Updated: October 12, 2013 3:42pm
War Command gets the better of Cable Bay to win the Dewhurst
War Command justified strong market support to give Aidan O'Brien a third win in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Coventry Stakes winner was sent off the 10/11 favourite and travelled powerfully through the early stages under the trainer's son Joseph. However he had to be asked a serious question to shake off Cable Bay inside the distance.
The son of War Front responded willingly to seize the initiative and score by a length-and-a-quarter from the gallant 20/1 runner-up.
Outstrip raced in the winner's slipstream but could never land a a blow in third while Anjaal was fourth despite never looking happy at any stage of the race.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
O'Brien senior said: "I'm delighted with the horse as I was very worried about the ground. He's a good-actioned horse and when it was very quick at Ascot, that was what he wanted.
"There is only one Dewhurst and we had to get him out. I'd say he's done for the year now and I think he'll get a mile next season."
Cable Bay's trainer Charlie Hills said: "He ran another great race and he's been very consistent. How he hasn't won a Group race, I don't know.
"We've been beaten just over a length by a good horse and hopefully he can keep progressing next year."
Charlie Appleby, responsible for the third home, Outstrip, said: "We're a bit disappointed as he didn't pick up like he did at Doncaster.
"Maybe it's just the year getting to him now. I think we'll put him away and if he can furnish and develop, hopefully we can see him as a Guineas horse."
Giovanni Boldini and Seamie Heffernan stride clear in the Listed Star Appeal Stakes (Healy Racing Photos)
Giovanni Boldinigot back to winning ways when taking the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Star Appeal Stakes in effortless fashion.
The War Front colt impressed on his debut here last month before justifying the immediate jump into Group 1 company when third to Toormore in the National Stakes.
The Ballydoyle inmate was not surprisingly sent off the 1/2 favourite for this Listed event, and never gave those who supported him a moments worry.
Seamie Heffernan elected to track the pace, and oozed confidence on the ‘jolly’ in the straight.
The response was immediate when asked to quicken a furlong out, and he soon quickened clear to beat Mandatario (7/2) by a facile four and three quarter lengths.Miss Mousey was nearly three lengths further back in third.
Heffernan said, “I was very confident going out and I was proved right. He’s a grand colt and he has a bit of class.”
Say (purple and white) finishing third in the Matron Stakes
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
O'Brien's Say bids for better at Keeneland
BY NICHOLAS GODFREY11:22AM 11 OCT 2013
Preview: USA, Saturday 10.21pm BST (live on ATR)
Keeneland: Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (Grade 1)1m1f, turf, 3yo fillies
JUST seven days after a no-show in the mud at Keeneland, Ballydoyle's Say (Aidan O'Brien/James Graham) turns out again, this time with blinkers added in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.
The Matron Stakes third, whose dam Riskaverse won the Keeneland Grade 1 in 2002, was well fancied in last weekend's First Lady, where an insipid performance can perhaps be forgiven given the filthy conditions that prevailed as the race was run in torrential downpour.
Likely favourite in Saturday's race is former French-trainedAlterite (Chad Brown/John Velazquez), who made a winning debut for her new trainer in the Grade 1 Garden City at Belmont last month, where former the Ed Dunlop-trainedConcise (Graham Motion/Edgar Prado) ran well in third.
Grade 2 winner Kitten's Dumplings (Mike Maker/Julien Leparoux) and Grade 1-placed Emotional Kitten (Wesley Ward/Garrett Gomez) both represent leading owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey.
Guineas and Derby winner Camelot is retired (14th October 2013)
Brilliant 2-year-old and triple classic winner Camelot has been retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore for the 2014 breeding season. The son of Montjeu who was being trained for the Breeders’ Cup Turf was found to be lame pulling out this morning and although not a serious injury it would mean missing exercise for at least a week which would preclude him from going to Santa Anita.
An unbeaten Group 1 winner of the Racing Post Trophy as a 2-year-old, Camelot returned to action with a win in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket where he came from near last with only two furlongs to run. He then became only the third horse since Nijinsky to land the Guineas/Derby double following Nashwan and Sea The Stars when scoring by an eased-down five lengths (pictured). Next time out he landed the Irish Derby before losing out narrowly to surprise winner Encke when bidding for Triple Crown glory in the St Leger.
“From the very first time we saw him at the sales we just loved him” said trainer Aidan O’Brien. “He was the perfect racehorse, a beautiful horse with a terrific action. Speed, class and a super-intelligent horse to go with it – he had it all. Unfortunately we never saw the same brilliance on the racecourse as we had done before his colic operation but he was showing signs of it at home in recent weeks so it’s obviously disappointing that he won’t get the opportunity to run again.”
The only Guineas winner by Montjeu, Camelot is out of Kingmambo’s daughter Tarfah, winner of the Group 3 Dahlia Stakes. A 525,000 guineas yearling purchase at Newmarket he was the highest-priced colt to enter training at Ballydoyle that year.
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag are the latest colts to make the move from Aidan O'Brien to South African maestro Mike de Kock.
It has proved a fruitful switch in recent years, with Ballydoyle cast-offs Eagle Mountain, Archipenko and Master Of Hounds among those to have gone on to score at the highest level for De Kock.
It was confirmed in August the talented Mars would be making the move and now Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten and Group Three winner Flying The Flag have also been snapped up.
However, Coolmore supremo John Magnier will be retaining an interest in both horses.
De Kock said: "We are delighted in having secured the pair of colts and thanks to Coolmore for their continued support.
"Mary Slack and Michael Javett have both been very supportive of our international ventures this year and we are excited for Jessica Slack, who has taken her first step into buying shares of already raced prospects at this level."
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag will be shipped to Dubai for the 2014 International Racing Carnival and De Kock said: "Besides their racing ability and promise for Dubai, both have stallion potential."
Mike De Kock gets Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag are the latest colts to make the move from Aidan O'Brien to South African maestro Mike de Kock.
It has proved a fruitful switch in recent years, with Ballydoyle cast-offs Eagle Mountain, Archipenko and Master Of Hounds among those to have gone on to score at the highest level for De Kock.
It was confirmed in August the talented Mars would be making the move and now Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten and Group Three winner Flying The Flag have also been snapped up.
However, Coolmore supremo John Magnier will be retaining an interest in both horses.
Speaking on his website, De Kock said: "We are delighted in having secured the pair of colts and thanks to Coolmore for their continued support.
"Mary Slack and Michael Javett have both been very supportive of our international ventures this year and we are excited for Jessica Slack, who has taken her first step into buying shares of already raced prospects at this level."
Gale Force Ten and Flying The Flag will be shipped to Dubai for the 2014 International Racing Carnival and De Kock said: "Besides their racing ability and promise for Dubai, both have stallion potential."
Heirloom (centre) stays on best for Joseph O'Brien to beat Sir Walter Scott (right) (Healy Racing Photos)
Heirloom led home a 1-2 for Ballydoyle when completing a double for Aidan & Joseph O’Brien in the Join Go Racing In Kildare 2014 Finale Stakes.
The Dansili colt came off a strong pace to lead a furlong out, and kept on well to beat long-time absent stablemate Sir Walter Scott by two and a quarter lengths to leave the record-breaking Joseph O'Brien on the 119 winner mark for the season.
Jazz Girl ensured the mile and a half contest was a truly run affair, and was closely tracked by Drifting Mist with the remainder of the nine-runner field well strong out.<Drifting Mist took it up briefly early in the straight asp>Jazz Girl gave way and, although headed by the winner a furlong out, held on for third spot in this Listed event.
“He stays well and I was delighted with both of them.Heirloom has been progressing with every run. He wants nice ground and a fast run mile and a half. He’s a big horse who should continue to progress next year,” said O’Brien.
Century gets the better of Marakoush (Healy Racing Photos)
Century made a winning debut in the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden, scoring for the father and son team of Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
The bay son of Montjeu was 7/2 this morning with Paddy Power, but he opened on-course at 5/2, before going off an 11/4 chance.
Held up towards the rear in the early stages, he was pushed along and made progress in eighth from two furlongs out.
He was ridden to challenge a furlong from home, soon hitting the front, going on from there to score by a length and a half.
All the money came for the John Oxx trained newcomer Marakoush, and after opening at 3/1 this morning with Paddy Power, he went from 11/4 to clear 15/8 favouritism on-course.
He hit the front two furlongs out but he had no answer when headed by the winner inside the final furlong, and he had to settle for second, while Prince Of All ran a cracker to finish two and a half lengths back in third under Fergal Lynch for Paul Deegan at 25/1.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He was very slow coming out and I thought he couldn’t win from there.
"He was very green, he had to come through horses and he will have learned a lot from that.
"He was just ready to start. We will see how he comes out of this and it is possible he could run again this year."
Aidan O'Brien's War Command in charge at Dewhurst Stakes in
Newmarket
Updated: Saturday, 12 Oct 2013 15:57 |
War Command came home a length and a half clear
War Command gave trainer Aidan O'Brien a belated first two-year-old Group One triumph of the season when lifting the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
However, it was a workmanlike rather than an impressive victory for the Coventry Stakes winner.
War Command, the 10-11 favourite, was hard ridden by Joseph O'Brien to hold 20-1 shot Cable Bay by a length and a quarter. Outstrip was third and Anjaal fourth.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
O'Brien senior said: "I'm delighted with the horse as I was very worried about the ground. He's a good-actioned horse and when it was very quick at Ascot, that was what he wanted.
"There is only one Dewhurst and we had to get him out. I'd say he's done for the year now and I think he'll get a mile next season."
War in Command in the Dewhurst
Sat 12th Oct 2013, 15:43
War Command (Healy Racing Photos)
War Command justified strong market support to give Aidan O'Brien a third win in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Coventry Stakes winner was sent off the 10/11 favourite and travelled powerfully through the early stages under the trainer's son Joseph. However he had to be asked a serious question to shake off Cable Bay inside the distance.
The son of War Front responded willingly to seize the initiative and score by a length-and-a-quarter from the gallant 20/1 runner-up.
Outstrip raced in the winner's slipstream but could never land a a blow in third while Anjaal was fourth despite never looking happy at any stage of the race.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
War in Command gives Aidan O'Brien more Dewhurst joy
Last Updated: October 12, 2013 3:42pm
War Command gets the better of Cable Bay to win the Dewhurst
War Command justified strong market support to give Aidan O'Brien a third win in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Coventry Stakes winner was sent off the 10/11 favourite and travelled powerfully through the early stages under the trainer's son Joseph. However he had to be asked a serious question to shake off Cable Bay inside the distance.
The son of War Front responded willingly to seize the initiative and score by a length-and-a-quarter from the gallant 20/1 runner-up.
Outstrip raced in the winner's slipstream but could never land a a blow in third while Anjaal was fourth despite never looking happy at any stage of the race.
The winning jockey told Channel 4 Racing: "The ground was plenty slow for him. When he got to the front he was idling like mad.
"He was waiting for a horse to come to him but did enough. I think he's getting more professional with each race.
"He's definitely a Guineas type. I think he will have no trouble getting a mile and I think the faster the ground, the better he will be."
O'Brien senior said: "I'm delighted with the horse as I was very worried about the ground. He's a good-actioned horse and when it was very quick at Ascot, that was what he wanted.
"There is only one Dewhurst and we had to get him out. I'd say he's done for the year now and I think he'll get a mile next season."
Cable Bay's trainer Charlie Hills said: "He ran another great race and he's been very consistent. How he hasn't won a Group race, I don't know.
"We've been beaten just over a length by a good horse and hopefully he can keep progressing next year."
Charlie Appleby, responsible for the third home, Outstrip, said: "We're a bit disappointed as he didn't pick up like he did at Doncaster.
"Maybe it's just the year getting to him now. I think we'll put him away and if he can furnish and develop, hopefully we can see him as a Guineas horse."
Giovanni Boldini and Seamie Heffernan stride clear in the Listed Star Appeal Stakes (Healy Racing Photos)
Giovanni Boldinigot back to winning ways when taking the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Star Appeal Stakes in effortless fashion.
The War Front colt impressed on his debut here last month before justifying the immediate jump into Group 1 company when third to Toormore in the National Stakes.
The Ballydoyle inmate was not surprisingly sent off the 1/2 favourite for this Listed event, and never gave those who supported him a moments worry.
Seamie Heffernan elected to track the pace, and oozed confidence on the ‘jolly’ in the straight.
The response was immediate when asked to quicken a furlong out, and he soon quickened clear to beat Mandatario (7/2) by a facile four and three quarter lengths.Miss Mousey was nearly three lengths further back in third.
Heffernan said, “I was very confident going out and I was proved right. He’s a grand colt and he has a bit of class.”
Say (purple and white) finishing third in the Matron Stakes
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
O'Brien's Say bids for better at Keeneland
BY NICHOLAS GODFREY11:22AM 11 OCT 2013
Preview: USA, Saturday 10.21pm BST (live on ATR)
Keeneland: Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (Grade 1)1m1f, turf, 3yo fillies
JUST seven days after a no-show in the mud at Keeneland, Ballydoyle's Say (Aidan O'Brien/James Graham) turns out again, this time with blinkers added in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.
The Matron Stakes third, whose dam Riskaverse won the Keeneland Grade 1 in 2002, was well fancied in last weekend's First Lady, where an insipid performance can perhaps be forgiven given the filthy conditions that prevailed as the race was run in torrential downpour.
Likely favourite in Saturday's race is former French-trainedAlterite (Chad Brown/John Velazquez), who made a winning debut for her new trainer in the Grade 1 Garden City at Belmont last month, where former the Ed Dunlop-trainedConcise (Graham Motion/Edgar Prado) ran well in third.
Grade 2 winner Kitten's Dumplings (Mike Maker/Julien Leparoux) and Grade 1-placed Emotional Kitten (Wesley Ward/Garrett Gomez) both represent leading owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey.
War Command gets the vote to score, as Ben Coley offers us his horse-by-horse guide to the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes.
ANJAAL: Progressive colt who looked to improve for a step up in trip to land the July Stakes last time. Form of that race has taken more than one knock but did shape as though this step up to seven would suit, and should the ground remain on the fast side of good he'll have plenty in his favour. Almost certainly needs to step up again but that perfectly possible and not discounted lightly.
CABLE BAY: More exposed than Anjaal but officially rated 1lb superior on the back of four respectable runs in Pattern company since Leicester maiden win. Form of latest course-and-distance second yet to be tested but the feeling is a repeat would not be enough to trouble the principals, while pedigree raises doubts as to whether quick ground would prove as suitable as the slower surfaces on which he's so far raced. Disappointing if he's good enough.
FRIENDSHIP: Slow-burner from powerful yard seeking their first win in the race since Beethoven's 2009 success. It was a hot National Stakes in which he was well held last time and it's reasonable to hope he may get closer to the leaders here, especially if first-time cheekpieces eke out further improvement, but on his ninth start it's questionable how much more there might be to come and Friendship's role here is surely to act as companion to stablemate War Command.
OUTSTRIP: Impressive winner of the Champagne Stakes (Cable Bay well beaten) last time, having previously given the unbeaten Toormore a real fright in Goodwood's Vintage Stakes. That form puts him far clear of Friendship and at the head of the home contingent, and trainer Charles Appleby's embryonic record at Newmarket is eye-catchingly positive. Godolphin won the race last year with Dawn Approach and with this fellow improving with every start, they look to hold live claims of a repeat.
STORMADAL: Trainer enjoyed a superb day here when saddling the winner of the Betfred Cambridgeshire but on all known form this son of Shamardal cannot win. Beaten in a handicap off a relatively lowly mark of 88 last time with no apparent excuses, and this drop in distance doesn't look ideal either. If he's not sixth of six, he's over-achieved.
WAR COMMAND: Ante-post favourite who got back on track with a ready win in the Futurity Stakes last time, having previously been turned over at 2/5 at the Curragh. That price owed to his monstrous performance previously in winning the Coventry Stakes and while the form of that Royal Ascot race has worked out very poorly, the visual impression created remains vivid. Stablemate set things up for him perfectly last time and a repeat looks likely.
VERDICT: Aidan O'Brien will be delighted that Jim Bolger isn't back to go for a sixth win in the last eight renewals of this contest, and can keep the prize in Ireland with WAR COMMAND set to take all the beating. His defeat in the Phoenix Stakes is easy to forgive as he'd already looked like seven furlongs was needed, and with Friendship set to ensure a solid tempo he'll have no excuses here on ground which will suit. Outstrip will also be suited by a decent end-to-end gallop and if forecast rain materialises that too will aide his chance. However, he looks just a step behind War Command in terms of professionalism at the moment and while a strict line through Surdiman gives him the edge, I see things differently. Anjaal needs to progress but looks capable of doing so and could outrun his odds, while Cable Bay has a chance of sorts on the figures and deserves to take his chance.
Camelot could use the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday week as a springboard towards the Breeders' Cup meeting in November.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien is also considering a race on the Dundalk all-weather as the four-year-old former three-time Classic winner edges closer to his return to the track.
O'Brien said: "He may run either in Ascot or in a Listed race a Dundalk.
"We have one eye on the Breeders' Cup, he's a horse that needs good ground. Conditions would normally suit him in America."
Camelot has been cautiously campaigned since he suffered an attack of colic last autumn and has not been sighted on the racecourse since finishing fourth in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Great White Eagle appears to have edge in Middle Park Stakes
Updated: Thursday, 10 Oct 2013 17:43
Great White Eagle has won his two starts to date with considerable ease
Great White Eagle heads a quality field of 13 runners in Saturday's vision.ae Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.
Aidan O'Brien’s charge, who is unbeaten in two starts, skips the seven-furlong Dewhurst in favour of the six-furlong Group One.
David Wachman runs Sudirman, a winner of the Railway and Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh before finishing second to Richard Hannon's Toormore in the National Stakes.
Kevin Ryan holds a strong hand, with the Gimcrack winner Astaire and last Saturday's hugely impressive Cornwallis scorer Hot Streak travelling down from his Hambleton base.
Joining him on the trip from the north of England is the Richard Fahey-trained Supplicant, winner of his last three races, including the Mill Reef.
Hannon runs the durable Brown Sugar and Shamshon, while Olly Stevens supplemented Green Door earlier in the week.
Bahamian Heights, Jallota, Justice Day, Saayerr, and Speedfiend compete the field.
Aidan O'Brien set to wage War on Dewhurst Stakes field
Updated: Thursday, 10 Oct 2013 16:25 |
War Command will bid for a first win at the highest level in the Dewhurst
Aidan O'Brien relies upon War Command and Friendship from a choice of eight in Saturday's Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Ballydoyle handler will just run the impressive Coventry Stakes winner War Command, who subsequently met with defeat in the Phoenix Stakes behind Sudirman before returning to winning ways in the Futurity Stakes.
David Wachman's Sudirman was not declared for the Group One over seven furlongs and instead takes the plunge in the Middle Park Stakes on the same card.
Friendship finished fourth in the Futurity and filled the same spot in the National Stakes.
Godolphin supplemented Outstrip and Be Ready earlier in the week, but only the former will represent Sheikh Mohammed's operation after his impressive win in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.
Richard Hannon will saddle the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Anjaal, who has not been seen since winning the July Stakes nearly 100 days ago.
Cable Bay will run for Charlie Hills after a string of good efforts, most recently in the Group Three Tattersall Stakes.
Ismail Mohammed, fresh from the biggest success of his career when Educate took the Cambridgeshire, will run Stormardal.
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said Be Ready misses the race with a bad scope and is hoping the decision to bypass a trip to Longchamp last weekend pays off with Outstrip.
Crisford said: "We gave Sunday's Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp a miss with Outstrip hoping for better ground in the Dewhurst.
"That is a decision that might backfire, we will have to wait and see.
"However, Outstrip only wouldn't like extremes of ground and, although there is some rain forecast, I don't think that we are going to get extremes."
Aidan O'Brien relies upon War Command and Friendship from a choice of eight in Saturday's Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Ballydoyle handler will just run the impressive Coventry Stakes winner War Command, who subsequently met with defeat in the Phoenix Stakes behind Sudirman before returning to winning ways in the Futurity Stakes.
David Wachman's Sudirman was not declared for the Group One over seven furlongs and instead takes the plunge in the Middle Park Stakes on the same card.
Friendship finished fourth in the Futurity and filled the same spot in the National Stakes.
Godolphin supplemented Outstrip and Be Ready earlier in the week, but only the former will represent Sheikh Mohammed's operation after his impressive win in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.
Richard Hannon will saddle the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Anjaal, who has not been seen since winning the July Stakes nearly 100 days ago.
Cable Bay will run for Charlie Hills after a string of good efforts, most recently in the Group Three Tattersall Stakes.
Ismail Mohammed, fresh from the biggest success of his career when Educate took the Cambridgeshire, will run Stormardal.
O'Brien said: "He may run either in Ascot or in a Listed race a Dundalk.Trainer Aidan O'Brien is also considering a race on the Dundalk all-weather as the four-year-old former three-time Classic winner edges closer to his return to the track.
"We have one eye on the Breeders' Cup, he's a horse that needs good ground. Conditions would normally suit him in America."
Camelot has been cautiously campaigned since he suffered an attack of colic last autumn and has not been sighted on the racecourse since finishing fourth in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Lot 235 and Lot 236: John Magnier buys consecutive lots: a bay colt from Camas Park for 300,000gns (an 85,000gns pinhook), before purchasing again from Newsells Park going to 350,000gns for a Danehill Dancer daughter out of Yummy Mummy, a sister to Fame And Glory.
Aidan O'Brien congratulates his record-breaking son Joseph aboard Marvellous (Healy Racing Photos)
The name of the winning horse, i.e. Marvellous wouldn't be a bad description for Joseph O'Brien's effort in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden at Navan, a race that yielded success number 116 of the campaign thus beating Michael Kinane's score, the previous top total of 115, achieved in 1993.
Half-an-hour earlier Joseph had equalled the landmark score on Sardinia but his chances of getting over the line in the next looked forlorn as he was 'after' the newcomer Marvellous from before the time they straightened up.
There were plenty travelling better at that stage but when it mattered most the winning Galileo filly found the more to prevail by half-a-length from another first-timer, the well-touted I'm Yours. Third home Red Raven didn't get the clearest of passages and she finished off well in third, just another head adrift at the line.
Aidan O'Brien acknowledged afterwards: "I thought she'd be too green, but that hill in Navan – well it's a long way up there."
The Ballydoyle maestro then added: "We'll probably put her away now – she's a nice filly for next year.
Joseph O'Brien rides a record-equalling 115th winner of the Flat
season in Ireland on Sardinia.
Joseph equals the record
Wed 9th Oct 2013, 15:32
Sardinia (eventual winner) leads the field away from stands at Navan
In 1993 Michael Kinane set a record of 115 winners ridden in an Irish flat racing season. The same year Joseph O'Brien was born and today the young Ballydoyle pilot equalled his fellow Tipperary man's feat when Sardinia landed the October Maiden at Navan.
Heavily invested upon for his debut at Roscommon nine days back when finishing third, the victorious Galileo colt made no mistake today equipped with first-time blinkers.
The 7/4 favourite soon led and he slipped the field from the end of the back straight. It was soon looking bleak for the rest and Waaheb, the victor's main market rival, could get no closer than six lengths at the line.
Joseph reflected: "At the start of the season I was hoping to ride 100 winners. The horses have been running very well and I've had plenty of support from the owners of Ballydoyle as well as all the other trainers who have supported me.
"This horse stays well and he has a good attitude. I got a nice easy lead for the first mile and he stayed on really well in the straight."
Meanwhile successful trainer and proud father Aidan commented: "This lad was very green in Roscommon. He stays very well and he'll make a lovely horse in time.
"He's a half-brother to Alexandrova (a triple Oaks winner in 2006)." (AM & EM)
Galileo has 3.6m gns Tatts record-breaker (9th October 2013)
Champion sire Galileo became responsible for the dearest yearling ever sold in Europe on Tuesday evening courtesy of a colt selling for 3.6 million gns at Tattersalls.
The striking youngster, a full-brother to this year’s G1 Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture out of the Danehill mare Shastye, was offered from Newsells Park Stud in front of a packed sale ring.
David Redvers kicked off bidding at 1 million gns and he soon gained a determined opponent in John Magnier. As Redvers dropped out, his client Sheikh Fahad Al Thani took over the bidding until Magnier had the final say.
M V Magnier signed the buyer’s ticket and commented: “He has the pedigree, he ticks all the right boxes and he is by Galileo out of a Danehill mare, which is a magical cross. Galileo, of course, speaks for himself, but you ‘d never think you’d have to go that far.”
Julian Dollar of Newsells Park Stud added: “In my heart of hearts I’d hoped he’d make seven figures but that was incredible. He’s always been a gorgeous horse with a lovely temperament and a real professional. You can get lucky when you have all the right ingredients like that.”
Galileo dominated the October Yearling Sale session additionally with a colt and filly bringing 525,000gns apiece (bought by M V Magnier and Badgers Bloodstock).
It continued a trend at all the major yearling sales so far. Galileo had two yearlings make 1 million euros at the Arqana August Sale while his representatives realised up to 680,000 euros at the Goffs Orby Sale.
John Magnier purchases Galileo yearling for record 3.6million guineas
Updated: Tuesday, 08 Oct 2013 23:32
Lot 144 was the highlight on a strong day of sales at the October Yearling Sale, setting John Magnier back just under €4.5m
A full-brother to Secret Gesture set a new European record for a yearling sold at auction as John Magnier paid 3.6million guineas at Tattersalls in Newmarket on Tuesday.
The colt, bred by Newsells Park Stud, attracted an opening bid of 1m gns, but it was Magnier who emerged on top after first David Redvers, then owner Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, tried to secure the son of Galileo.
"He has the pedigree, he ticks all the right boxes, he is by Galileo out of a Danehill mare - let's hope he has an engine," said MV Magnier, the Coolmore supremo's son.
"Galileo, of course, speaks for himself, but you'd never think you'd have to go that far."
River Dancer, who set the previous yearling record when he changed hands for 3.4m guineas at this sale in 2000, won a Leopardstown maiden and the Group 3 Prix La Force at Chantilly when he ran under the tutelage of Aidan O’Brien as Diaghilev.
His biggest win came in the Group 1 Audemars Piguet QEII Cup at Sha Tin in Hong Kong.
The son of Saddler’s Wells never recouped his purchase price on the racecourse and missed out on a chance at a stud career after being gelded.
Great White Eagle could take his chance in the Newmarket Group 1 (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien is responsible for eight of the 14 six-day acceptors for Saturday's Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
His octet includes Coventry and Futurity Stakes winner War Command and the unbeaten Great White Eagle, while Craftsman, Friendship, Giovanni Boldini, Michaelmas, Oklahoma City and Wilshire Boulevard complete the Ballydoyle team.
Buonarroti and Joseph O'Brien winning in Tipperary (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O’Brien moved ever closer to Mick Kinane’s record number of winners in an Irish flat season as he won the mile and one juvenile maiden in Tipperary on the impressive Buonarroti.
Aidan O’Brien’s two-year-old colt had finished fourth on debut in Galway last month, two places behind Whitey O’ Gwaun who reopposed today.
The form was turned around emphatically as Buonarroti made all and pulled away in the home straight with a quarter of a mile to run.
The 7/4 favourite came in by eight and a half lengths. He was supported from 9/4 this morning. Jim Bolger’s Evason, on his first racecourse outing, stayed on well to get up for second at 14/1, a neck in front of fellow 14/1 shot Abushamah who had been prominent throughout.
Joseph O’Brien, after partnering his 114th winner of the season, said: “He jumped and travelled nicely and quickened up well. I thought he would improve a lot from Galway. The lads that ride him at home said he had. He’s a nice staying prospect and was impressive.”
This year’s English St Leger winner Leading Light won this race last season for Aidan O’Brien. He is one of the leading fancies for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Longchamp today at 3.15pm. This was Aidan O’Brien’s eighth winner in the last two weeks.
Mick Kinane rode 115 winners in the Irish flat season of 1993.
Joseph O’Brien pulled level with Mick Kinane’s record number of winners in an Irish flat season as he brought up number 114 on board the impressive Buonarroti in Tipperary.
Aidan O’Brien’s two-year-old colt had finished fourth on debut in Galway last month, two places behind Whitey O’ Gwaun who reopposed today.
The form was turned around emphatically as Buonarotti made all and pulled away in the home straight with a quarter of a mile to run.
The 7/4 favourite came in by eight and a half lengths. He was supported from 9/4 this morning. Jim Bolger’s Evason, on his first racecourse outing, stayed on well to get up for second at 14/1, a neck in front of fellow 14/1 shot Abushamah who had been prominent throughout.
Joseph O’Brien said: “He jumped and travelled nicely and quickened up well. I thought he would improve a lot from Galway. The lads that ride him at home said he had. He’s a nice staying prospect and was impressive.”
This year’s English St Leger winner Leading Light won this race last season for Aidan O’Brien. He is one of the leading fancies for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Longchamp today at 3.15pm.
This was Aidan O’Brien’s eighth winner in the last two weeks.
Tattersalls Millions glory for O'Briens with Oklahoma City
Updated: Saturday, 05 Oct 2013 15:50 |
Aidan O'Brien: 'He's a tough, hardy horse and loved the ground and trip'
Aidan O'Brien's Oklahoma City cost 675,000 guineas but repaid a huge chunk of that when landing the £500,000 Tattersalls Millions 2YO Trophy at Newmarket.
The most expensive colt in the field, and sent off at 3-1, the Beresford Stakes runner-up hit the front two furlongs out under Joseph O'Brien and asserted his superiority in the final furlong, with Postponed one and a half lengths away in second and Bon Voyage a neck back in third.
O'Brien senior said: "It was a good run last week over a mile (second to stablemate Geoffrey Chaucer) and he went into the race with very solid form and off a very solid run.
"He's a tough, hardy horse and loved the ground and trip. It's very possible he'll run again this season, but he needs fast ground."
Paddy Power gave the winner an opening show of 25-1 for the 2000 Guineas.
Former Ballydoyle Inmate Seville Wins Metropolitan Handicap
For Team Williams & Becomes 37th individual G1 winner for
Cristoforo Colombo gets his head in front at Dundalk (Healy Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien moved to within one of Mick Kinane’s record number of wins in an Irish flat season in Ireland when driving Cristoforo Colombo through to win in Dundalk.
Kinane had 114 winners in 1993 and O’Brien brought up number 113 this season on the 4/5 favourite trained by his father Aidan.
Once O’Brien sent him on to win this six furlong race with two to go, he had more than enough to keep Tennessee Wildcat (22/1) at bay. The latter came at him deep inside the final furlong, but went down by a length with Gary Carroll in the plate.
Joseph O’Brien said: “He’s a lovely horse. We spent all winter trying to get him to relax so he would get a mile. He didn’t get a mile at Newmarket.
“He got a break and we brought him back. He still doesn’t know how to sprint yet, but when the penny dropped today he quickened up well. He has a chance of making a decent sprinter.
“He still thinks he’s running over a mile and just relaxes too much early on.”
This was a step down in class for Cristoforo Colombo who this season had been fifth in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May and a close-up eighth in a Group 3 at the Curragh last month.
Last season, as a juvenile, he was second in the Group 2 Railway Stakes and fourth in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes.
MV Magnier spoke after purchased €2,850,000 Montjeu colt also the news they hope to have Camelot and St Nicholas Abbey to stand at Coolmore Stud in Spring.
"He's a very good mover and all the lads thought he was an exceptional Montjeu," said Magnier. "It's plenty of money but obviously he's very well bred. Montjeu has been very good to us - they're not making them any more but hopefully we'll have two exciting sons, Camelot and St Nicholas Abbey, to stand for us next year."
MV Magnier also issued a positive update on St Nicholas Abbey.
"Hopefully he'll be standing with us next year," he said. "He still has a long road ahead but his recovery is now going well and [vet] John Halley is very happy with how he's doing. We're very grateful for the wonderful job the vets have done with him." thanks to JASON DOYLE
The latest shuffle of the pack for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe sees 19 possibles stand their ground for the big race.
Aidan O'Brien has pulled Camelot and Kingbarns out of the contest, but stablemate Leading Light, the St Leger winner, is one of three supplemented into the line-up alongside Treve and the Czech-trained Meandre.
Outsiders Manndawi and Yellow And Green were the two other horses taken out of the contest at the final stage.
The Fugue, for whom doubts have been expressed by connections over the prospect of soft ground, has been taken out of the line-up for the Prix de l'Opera on the same card but remains engaged in the Arc.
Criquette Head-Maarek's Treve will be reunited with Thierry Jarnet after Frankie Dettori fractured his ankle at Nottingham on Wednesday and another veteran French pilot in Gerald Mosse has been booked to ride Leading Light.
Mosse has won big races all over the world, including the 1990 Arc on Saumarez, and is often used by British and Irish-based trainers looking to take advantage of his local knowledge of the tracks in France.
O'Brien was on the lookout for a new jockey for the St Leger winner as Joseph O'Brien would not be able to get down to 8st 11lb, the allocated weight for three-year-olds.
Ryan Moore is set to continue his partnership with O'Brien's Investec Derby winner Ruler Of The World.
Aidan O'Brien's first winner over jump since ISTABRAQ!! Carriganog
O'Brien back with a winner over the jumps
Thu 3rd Oct 2013, 15:45
A happy Robbie Power after winning on Carriganog (Healy Racing Photos)
Aidan O'Brien's first runner over jumps in a decade got the job done in style asCarriganog landed the Laganore Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.
Robbie Power did the steering on the Shantou gelding. A 9/2 shot, Carriganog, who'd shown promise in a couple of bumpers, led entering the straight and despite being a bit green before the last went on to comprehensively defeat Roman General by five lengths.
Power reported: "He'll improve a lot for the experience as he's still a big baby.
"We had him for about three weeks and we did most of the schooling with him. Aidan sent him up to us (Robbie and his father, the legendary Con) as he'd been a bit tricky in his bumpers.
"He was always good from day one – a natural to jump. He's a very nice horse, hopefully with a bright future."
The brilliant Istabraq, Theatreworld and Urabande are just some of the names that come to mind when one recalls O'Brien's glory days in the jumping sphere in the past. (TW & EM)
John Gosden's unbeaten 2000 Guineas favourite Kingman is a notable defector as a field of nine were declared for Sunday's Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp.
The Khalid Abdullah-owned juvenile was left in the seven-furlong contest at the forfeit stage earlier in the week, but connections have decided against making the trip to Paris with the leading Classic hope.
Kingman holds entries in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on October 12 and the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on October 26.
There is still a strong British challenge in the line-up in the shape of Charlie Appleby's Godolphin runner Outstrip, second to Toormore at Goodwood and an impressive winner of the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last month.
Richard Hannon is set to saddle Newbury maiden winner Barley Mow, while Aidan O'Brien relies on Wilshire Boulevard.
The field is completed by unbeaten Spanish runner Noozhoh Canarias, Freddie Head's Charm Spirit, Al Muthana, Another Party, Karakontie and Baby Foot.
The latest shuffle of the pack for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe sees 19 possibles stand their ground for the big race.
Aidan O'Brien has pulled Camelot and Kingbarns out of the contest, but stablemate Leading Light, the St Leger winner, is one of three supplemented into the line-up alongside Treve and the Czech-trained Meandre.
Outsiders Manndawi and Yellow And Green were the two other horses taken out of the contest at the final stage.
The Fugue, for whom doubts have been expressed by connections over the prospect of soft ground, has been taken out of the line-up for the Prix de l'Opera on the same card but remains engaged in the Arc.
Leading Light expected to be added (Healy Racing Photos)
All bar one of the entries for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe stood their ground at the latest forfeit stage.
The sole withdrawal was the German-trained Iniciar, which leaves a total of 20 possibles ahead of Thursday's supplementary stage.
Criquette Head-Maarek's Treve and the Aidan O'Brien-trained St Leger winner Leading Light are expected to be added to the field while connections of Meandre could also pay the 100,000 euros fee to join the Arc line up.
Final declarations for the race will be made on Friday morning.
Connections of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runners will need to brace themselves for potential rainfall close to Sunday's race.
A field of 21 horses stood their ground at the first forfeit stage, with the leading ante-post hopes still in the mix, while the likes of Treve and Leading Light are expected to be supplemented for €100,000 on Thursday.
The ground at the Paris course was reported as officially good to soft on Tuesday by the International Racing Bureau, and it will be generally warm and dry in the region until Friday night.
John Lee, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, said: "There is a chance of a shower but it is otherwise generally dry on Wednesday, and Thursday will have sunny periods with the chance of an isolated shower, but most areas are staying dry.
"There does appear to be an area of unsettled weather on Friday afternoon and early into Saturday.
"This includes the chance of thunder, which could bring a spell of heavy rain, although it looks at this stage as if this could disappear quite quickly. It will be mostly cloudy and dry after that.
"The temperatures are generally good, around 21C throughout the week during the day, which is above what is usually expected in early October."
Ground should not be a concern for Novellist, who has won on conditions ranging from good to firm to soft.
Trainer Andreas Wohler is confident his representative will strip much fitter than when winning at Baden Baden last time out.
Novellist is unbeaten this season, including three times at the highest level, but he really sprang to prominence when routing top-class opposition in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Next time out in Germany he was nowhere near as impressive in seemingly weaker company, despite it being a Group One, but Wohler was using the race purely as a stepping stone.
Man-of-the-moment Johnny Murtagh was on board at Ascot and he will take over in the saddle once more at Longchamp.
"The horse is very well and he did his last piece of work (on Monday)," Wohler told At The Races.
"Everything has gone smooth and fine since his last race and hopefully it will for the next couple of days so we are looking forward to Sunday.
"He's a different type of horse since Baden Baden. It was a Group One race but we treated it as a prep race.
"A single-figure draw would be perfect, I don't think anybody would be happy with an outside draw.
"Johnny did everything right at Ascot, I spoke to him yesterday and he's really looking forward to it.
"He hasn't been to Germany to ride him but we've spoken a couple of times to keep him up to date.
"Orfevre couldn't be more impressive in his trial and he's a horse with a lot of class. We just need a bit of luck, like everybody."
Japanese runner Orfevre was denied victory in the dying strides of the race last year and he is primed to try his luck again after running an impressive trial when winning the Prix Foy.
He is set to be joined by fellow Japanese contender Kizuna, winner of the Prix Niel for trainer Shozo Sasaki.
Just behind Kizuna that day was Aidan O'Brien's Derby winner Ruler Of The World and he is one possible for Ballydoyle, along with last year's Derby winner Camelot and Racing Post Trophy winner Kingsbarns
Andre Fabre has left in Intello, Flintshire, Ocovango, Pirika and Penglai Pavilion, while Al Kazeem, Joshua Tree, The Fugue and Very Nice Name are other possibles.
Ballydoyle four-handed in bid for Prix de L'arc de Triomphe
LEADING Light looks set to join Ruler Of The World, Camelot and Kingsbarns for this weekend's meeting at Longchamp.
Leading Light and Joseph O'Brien
TRAINER Aidan O’Brien has confirmed Ladbrokes St Leger hero Leading Light will be supplemented for Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
The Montjeu colt has displayed admirable versatility so far this year, winning twice over a mile and a quarter before stepping up to two miles to take the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot.
He came back to a mile and three-quarters to claim Classic glory at Doncaster earlier this month and will now pit his wits against the world’s top mile-and-a-half performers in France.
Ruler Of The World, Camelot and Kingsbarns are the other potential Ballydoyle runners.
O’Brien said: “We’ll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground (conditions) because Camelot would only run if it was good or better.”
Roger Charlton’s Al Kazeem also remains on target after pleasing in a workout with Prix de l’Opera-bound stable companion Thistle Bird.
Ladbrokes: 2 Orfevre, 4 Treve, 6 Novellist, 8 Kizuna, 9 Flintshire, 10 Intello, Ruler Of The World, 12 Leading Light, 14 Al Kazeem, 16 Ocovango, 20 The Fugue, 33 bar.
St Nicholas Abbey winning this year's Investec Coronation Cup (Healy Racing Photos)
Veterinary surgeons treating St Nicholas Abbey in his recovery from a fractured pastern and then a bout of colic "couldn't be happier" with the former star middle-distance performer.
Aidan O'Brien's six-times Group One winner had to be retired after suffering the leg injury on the gallops at Ballydoyle when being prepared for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
A few days after surgery, the six-year-old contracted colic, and he had a further setback when it was discovered a steel weight-bearing pin in a cannon bone had broken.
However, recent reports have been upbeat and a tweet from Coolmore this afternoon read: "The surgeons at Fethard Equine Hospital couldn't be happier with St Nicholas Abbey's progress to date.
"Recently fitted with a lighter and less restrictive cast, he is more mobile and is putting more confident weight on the injured leg.
"St Nicholas Abbey's appetite is good and he continues to gain weight. His blood work remains stable and his medication has been much reduced."
Leading Light among four Aidan O'Brien horses for Arc
Updated: Monday, 30 Sep 2013 10:58 |
Leading Light (r) won the St Leger in Doncaster
Trainer Aidan O'Brien has confirmed Ladbrokes St Leger hero Leading Light will be supplemented for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
The Montjeu colt has displayed admirable versatility so far this year, winning twice over a mile and a quarter before stepping up to two miles to take the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.
He came back to a mile and three-quarters to claim Classic glory at Doncaster earlier this month and will now pit his wits against the world's top mile-and-a-half performers in France.
Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World, Camelot and Kingsbarns are the other potential Ballydoyle representatives in the Arc.
"I think we're going to supplement the Leger horse and then obviously we'll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground" - Aidan O'Brien
O'Brien told At The Races: "The four (Arc) horses are Ruler Of The World, Leading Light, Camelot and Kingsbarns.
"I think we're going to supplement the Leger horse and then obviously we'll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground (conditions) because Camelot would only run if it was good or better.
"He (Leading Light) obviously hasn't done a lot (since Doncaster) - it's not that long ago - but everything he's done we've been happy with."
Roger Charlton's Al Kazeem also remains on target for Europe's premier middle-distance prize after pleasing in a workout with Prix de l'Opera-bound stable companion Thistle Bird over the weekend.
"They both worked well on Saturday morning over eight furlongs on our summer gallops, which are in fantastic condition," the Beckhampton trainer told his website, www.rogercharlton.com.
"Although Al Kazeem has had some tough races and on ground faster than he would have preferred, from what I can see he still retains his enthusiasm and his speed figures compared well on Saturday morning with his work before both the Prince of Wales's Stakes and the Eclipse.
"The Arc will be his seventh race of the season but only his 15th race spread over four seasons.
"It is never an exact science to know whether a horse has gone over the top or about to produce another high-class performance but the vibes are good.
"There is no disputing that this year's race is going to be contested by the best horses in Europe and two very smart colts from Japan.
"His class has enabled him to win his Group One races over ten furlongs but I also think he is capable of excelling over twelve furlongs as he did in the Jockey Club Stakes.
"We will need all the assistance we can get in Europe's most exciting race but some ease in the ground and going right handed will help him."
The Montjeu colt has displayed admirable versatility so far this year, winning twice over a mile and a quarter before stepping up to two miles to take the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.
He came back to a mile and three-quarters to claim Classic glory at Doncaster earlier this month and will now pit his wits against the world's top mile-and-a-half performers in France.
Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World, Camelot and Kingsbarns are the other potential Ballydoyle representatives in the Arc.
O'Brien told At The Races: "The four (Arc) horses are Ruler Of The World, Leading Light, Camelot and Kingsbarns.
"I think we're going to supplement the Leger horse and then obviously we'll get closer to the weekend (before knowing) about ground (conditions) because Camelot would only run if it was good or better.
"He (Leading Light) obviously hasn't done a lot (since Doncaster) - it's not that long ago - but everything he's done we've been happy with."
Say, a close third in the Matron Stakes, arrived at Keeneland late Saturday night and took up residence in the quarantine barn for her expected start in Saturday's $400,000 Grade 1 First Lady Stakes at the track.
Eye Of The Storm pictured winning at Listowel on his last start (Healy Racing Photos)
Eye Of The Storm got his revenge onMissunited as he took the last at the Curragh this afternoon, the Listed Loughbrown Stakes, providing Aidan and Joseph O’Brien with a double on the card.
The three-year-old son of Galileo finished second to Missunited in the Listed Oyster Stakes over a mile and a half at Galway earlier this month, but he gained revenge today over the longer trip of two miles.
He had since won the Listed Listowel Stakes, and he was sent off the 8/13 favourite (opened on-course at 9/10) to follow up here.< Missunited was sent off the 7/2 second favourite, and the Mick Winters trained mare attempted to make all under Seamie Heffernan, with the eventual winner settling towards the rear in sixth.
As they entered the straight Missunited stayed on the rail, while her rivals drifted wide, with Joseph O’Brien getting serious aboard the winner over two furlongs out.
The chestnut victor responded well to pressure, and he got on terms at the furlong pole, keeping on best from there to just edge ahead close home, winning by three parts of a length at the line.< Missunited took second, while Leah Claire ran a cracker, finishing just a length back in third under Danny Grant for Willie McCreeryat 20/1.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "We weren’t sure about the two miles but he got it well. He travelled well and I don’t think he needs to go that far.
"I’d say he is finished for the year now and he could make up into a cup horse next year.
"I think he got a kick as a foal which resulted in him losing an eye."
Geoffrey Chaucer and Joseph O'Brien on their way to victory, with Altruistic back in third (Healy Racing Photos)
Geoffrey Chaucer made it two from two as he took the feature race at the Curragh this afternoon, the Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes, for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
The son of Montjeu won his maiden at Leopardstown in July, beating Tarfasha(finished third in the Blenheim Stakes earlier) by a neck, and he was sent off the 4/7 favourite to follow up this afternoon.
Settled in fourth, the bay colt was pushed along two furlongs out, and he responded well to pressure, hitting the front around a furlong from home, keeping on well from there to score by a length and a quarter.
Oklahoma City made it a one, two for Aidan O’Brien, as he took second under Seamie Heffernan at 5/1, while Altruistic was three parts of a length back in third under trainer/jockey Johnny Murtagh.
Exogenesis was taken out of the contest this morning after been sold.
Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "He didn’t learn much in front the last day. We were hoping there would be more pace on today, which there was, and he was still a bit green when hit the front.
"If everything goes to plan he will go to Doncaster for the Racing Post Trophy."
O’Brien went on the talk about the runner-up, saying: "I knew he was crying out to go further and on pedigree there is plenty of stamina on the dam’s side.
"He is in the sales race at Newmarket and it is quite possible he could go there." <Geoffrey Chaucer is now a 16/1 for the Epsom Derby with Paddy Power, Boylesports and Ladbrokes.
The red-hot favourite Geoffrey Chaucer ran out a convincing winner of the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh.
Geoffrey Chaucer: Beresford winner
The 4/7 favourite stuck to his task well despite carrying his head awkwardly and knuckled down to record a one and a quarter length victory from stablemate Oklahoma City.The son of Montjeu was always travelling sweetly under Joseph O'Brien and took up the running from the long-time leader All Set To Go just over a furlong from home.
Geoffrey Chaucer's success means Aidan O'Brien has now trained the winner of the Beresford Stakes on 13 separate occasions, including the 2009 winner St Nicholas Abbey.
The trainer said: "He didn't learn much the first day and we were hoping there'd be more pace today, which there was.
"He learned nothing in front the first day, but I'd say he learned plenty today and he was still a bit green when he hit the front.
"If everything goes to plan, he'll go to Doncaster for the Racing Post Trophy (October 26)."
O'Brien was also pleased with the effort of the runner-up, adding: "I knew he was crying out to go further. In his pedigree there is plenty of stamina on the dam's side. He's in the sales race at Newmarket (£500,000 Tattersalls Millions 2YO Trophy, October 5) and that's a possibility."
His jockey was pleased with the way in which he ran and thought that he would come on again for the run.
"We've gone a nice clip there and he's shown that he's a nice horse - I think he'll go on from that," said Joseph O'Brien.
"There were only three runners on his first start and I had to make the running which wasn't ideal. We came here to learn and he's relaxed early which has helped. We hoped he'd learn a bit from this and I think he has.
"It rode like a good renewal of the race. I'd imagine he's up there with the best two-year-olds that we have and a race like the Racing Post Trophy could suit him.
"He'll have no problem with a mile and hopefully he'll go on and progress. I think he'll be better at three as he's a big horse and very raw at the moment. He's one to look forward to."
By Michael Graham
By Gary Carson
By Alan Magee
By Donal Murphy
