ATR Ballydoyle Stable Tour

Aidan O’Brien is simply a phenomenon in the world of racing. A record-breaking National Hunt trainer in the initial stages of his career, his abundant talents didn’t go unnoticed and he was appointed as the trainer in the historic Ballydoyle complex in 1996 at the age of just 26. He quickly established himself as a dominant force in Irish racing and since then has broken every record worth breaking and won every race worth winning in Europe and beyond.

As always, O’Brien has an array of stars under his care for the new season and he was good enough to sit down with attheraces.com to discuss their prospects for the 2016 season.

AIR FORCE BLUE
3 b c War Front – Chatham
Rated 124, he was crowned European Champion Two-Year-Old having become the first-ever horse to complete the Group 1 triple of the Phoenix Stakes, the National Stakes and the Dewhurst Stakes. He proved very disappointing on his seasonal reappearance in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

“I think anything I did for the 2000 Guineas, I won’t do again, as it was a dramatic failure, really! Everything was smooth all the way to Newmarket. He never disappointed in his work and the horse he was working with went on to finish fourth in the 2000 Guineas, but he didn’t perform on the day.

We put on the tongue tie because in his second-last piece of work, I was just a bit shocked how quick he was and I thought he’d struggle to get the mile if he did that at Newmarket. Sometimes when you put a tongue tie and a crossed noseband on a horse, it can make them slow down and back off a little bit. It seemed to work well straight away in his canters at home, but it just didn’t work out at Newmarket. He might not always look like he is racing very freely as he has a very good head position when galloping, but if you watch closely, he was doing plenty.

Some would say that if the trip was the issue, that he should have travelled better for longer than he did, but it’s not always like that, as the pace is so different over a mile than over six furlongs. When you are restricting a horse from going the sort of pace they naturally want to go, they often don’t get much further than four or five furlongs. It might sound strange, but if a horse like that was allowed go six-furlong pace from the start in a Guineas, they would probably be competitive for longer than they would if restrained early on. I remember with Stravinsky, he wasn’t even able to win over seven furlongs against three-year-olds as the tempo just wasn’t strong enough for him, but as soon as we dropped him back to six furlongs and then to five furlongs, he came into his own.

With the tongue tie and crossed noseband, you’re making calls on things like this all the time and sometimes you can make very bad calls. I would always rather try something like that if I felt it would make the horse perform better and learn from what happens whether it works well or not and not be afraid to say it was the wrong call afterwards. So, we have left the tongue tie and crossed noseband off since Newmarket and I would imagine it will stay off for his next race too.

I still won’t believe he’s going to get a mile until I see it. I would imagine looking at his work recently that he’s going to travel very strongly early on, but that’s just his natural way of doing things. We’ve had horses that have disappointed badly in the 2000 Guineas before and come out and won the Irish 2,000 Guineas on their next start and hopefully he can be another one of them.”

AIR VICE MARSHAL
3 b c War Front – Gold Vault
Rated 112, he won a seven-furlong maiden at Gowran Park in June and went on to finish a close second to Birchwood in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket in July. He made a promising return to action when fourth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

“He does all his work with Air Force Blue and he is likely to go to the Irish 2,000 Guineas. I thought he ran very well at Newmarket and should progress from it. He looks to be very much a miler.”

BALLYDOYLE
3 b f Galileo – Butterfly Cove
Rated 113, she progressed throughout her juvenile season to win the Group 2 Debutante Stakes at the Curragh and the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp. She made a promising return to action when second in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

“I thought she ran very well at Newmarket. She dwelt slightly and got a bit of a bump, so rather than charge up there, Seamus let her relax which was the right thing to do. Seamus knew from a long way out that she was going to be second at best, so he nursed her home and looked after her. I’d imagine that herself and Minding could be split up for their next start. The Irish 1,000 Guineas is an obvious option, as is the French Oaks. She should stay a mile-and-a-half based on her pedigree, but she might not have to go that far and I see her as a mile to a mile-and-a-quarter filly.”

BEST IN THE WORLD
3 b f Galileo – Red Evie
Rated 98, she won a maiden at the Curragh in October, but ran below form on her return to action in the Salsabil Stakes at Navan in April.

“She will run in the Musidora at York on Wednesday. She seemed a bit disappointing in the Salsabil at Navan last time, but Ryan was very happy with her. It was a bit of a mess of a race, they only hacked and then sprinted. She should be able to step up from that.”

BHUTAN
3 gr c Galileo – Ecology
Made an impressive winning debut in a mile-and-a-quarter maiden at Leopardstown in April.

“He has had a setback and it’ll be the second half of the season before we see him on the track again.”

BLACK SEA
3 b c Galileo – Christmas Kid
Rated 103, he won a maiden at the Curragh in October prior to finishing third in the Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown. He made a winning return in a Listed race at Leopardstown.

“He will step up to a mile-and-a-quarter in the Dante at York on Thursday. Ryan gave him a very good and patient ride when he won last time and we’ll probably ride him like that again at York. He’s in the Derby picture with the rest of them and hopefully he will show improvement in the Dante.”

BONDI BEACH
4 b c Galileo – One Moment In Time
Rated 118, he proved to be highly-progressive last season, winning the Group 3 Curragh Cup and being unlucky not to win the Great Voltigeur at York and the St Leger at Doncaster. He made a winning return in a Listed race at Limerick.

“The Yorkshire Cup is an option, but he could go to the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan on Sunday instead. He ran in the Melbourne Cup last year and that is a race we’ll have in our minds for this year too.”

CARAVAGGIO
2 gr c Scat Daddy – Mekko Hokte
Made an impressive winning debut at Dundalk in April, beating the subsequent winner Lundy in good style.

“He is very fast. If he stays six furlongs, you’d be delighted, but you wouldn’t be sure he’d get it. He finds it very easy to go very fast. Going to Royal Ascot with two-year-olds, we’d always like to have at least two runs in them and he is likely to run at Naas on Wednesday.”

COOLMORE
3 ch f Galileo – You’resothrilling
Rated 106, she broke her maiden in the Group 3 at the Curragh in September and made a satisfactory return to action in the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket in April.

“She’ll go straight to the Irish 1,000 Guineas.”

DEAUVILLE
3 b c Galileo – Walklikeanegyptian
Rated 110, he progressed into a smart juvenile last season, winning the Group 3 Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown and finishing second to Foundation in the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket.

“The plan is to run him in the Dante at York on Thursday. He was disappointing in the Racing Post Trophy on his last start and maybe the year had just been a bit long for him at that stage or is it also possible that the ground was a bit too soft for him. He’s a solid horse that stays well and will improve from the run. We are happy with him.”

DE CORONADO
3 b c Street Cry – Vertigineux
An unraced full-brother to the great racemare Zenyatta.

“He’s absolutely massive! He’s probably the biggest horse we’ve ever had, he weighs about 620kg. He was trained in America last year and has come to us for this season. He isn’t close to a run yet, but it’ll be interesting to see what he can do.”

FOUND
4 b f Galileo – Red Evie
Rated 119, she won a Group 1 as a juvenile and gained a second top-level success when beating Golden Horn in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland. She got off the mark for this season in the Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh in May.

“The plan was to give her two runs prior to the Tattersalls Gold Cup, as we knew she was going to be quite fresh for her first run or two. She did too much on what was testing ground on her first start back, but she relaxed much better last time and did what she did. We’re starting to see now what she’s starting to turn into and she looks something very special. After the Tattersalls Gold Cup, she’ll have the option of the Coronation Cup or the Prince of Wales’s, but whatever happens, she’ll have a break after that and will come back with the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as her target.”

HIGHLAND REEL
4 b c Galileo - Hveger
Rated 119, he won the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes at Arlington in August and the Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin in December. He disappointed on his latest start in the QEII Cup at Sha Tin in April.

“He’s back here from his latest travels. His last race was a bit tactical and that didn’t suit him. We are looking at the Coronation Cup for him next.”

HIT IT A BOMB
3 b c War Front – Liscanna
Rated 116, he was unbeaten in three starts as a juvenile, with the highlight being his win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland in October.

“I’m having to push him a bit to get him back to the track in time for Royal Ascot. Hopefully he’ll get there.”

IDAHO
3 b c Galileo – Hveger
Rated 108, he won a maiden at Gowran Park in October and has run well without winning in the Ballysax Stakes and the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown this season.

“I was very happy with him on Sunday considering how the race went. It was a race run in two halves as while Kevin Manning obviously didn’t lead on the eventual winner, he was the one dictating and controlling the race. Our two were left a bit out of their ground and finished well. I could definitely imagine a scenario where that result could be different. There will be no hiding place in the Derby and he deserves his chance.”

JOHANNES VERMEER
3 b c Galileo – Inca Princess
Rated 113, he progressed throughout the season, culminating in victory in the Group 1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud in November.

“Unfortunately he won’t make any of the Classics and won’t be seen until the second half of the season.”

KINGFISHER
5 b h Galileo – Mystical Lady
Rated 110, he is a two-time winner at Listed level that finished an unlucky second in the Ascot Gold Cup last season.

“He had a bit of a setback and probably won’t make the Ascot Gold Cup. Hopefully we’ll see him back in the second half of the season.”

MINDING
3 b f Galileo – Lillie Langtry
Rated 120, she was crowned European Champion Two-Year-Old Filly last year having won the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh and the Fillies Mile at Newmarket and looked better than ever when making a winning return in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

“She is very exciting. Nothing is set in stone, but the two options for her next start would seem to be the Irish 1,000 Guineas or go straight to the Oaks at Epsom. We often use the Irish 1,000 Guineas as the next step towards the Oaks, but we are mindful that she ran such a big race on her first start of the season and that it will have taken a bit out of her, so that will come into the decision-making process. There has been talk about the Derby for her, but the lads have never said anything to me about it. Besides that, first and foremost you couldn’t say for sure that she will get a mile-and-a-half. With that in mind I would think, knowing the way that the lads tend to think, that they might prefer to go gently and test her stamina against the fillies first. If she proves her stamina against them, I would imagine they might then consider taking on the colts. With a bit of safe ground, you’d have to be excited about her running in the Oaks.”

ORDER OF ST GEORGE
4 b c Galileo – Another Storm
Rated 124, his form was unremarkable as a juvenile, but he showed significant improvement when upped in trip last season, most notably when winning the Irish St Leger at the Curragh by 11 lengths.

“He’s on the way back. He had a setback at the end of last season and I wasn’t able to do much with him during the winter, so he is a bit behind the others. He’s going to go for a racecourse gallop at Navan and if that goes well, he could go to the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown in early June and if that went well he could go to the Ascot Gold Cup. He got a mile-and-a-three-quarters very well on soft ground at the Curragh and while you’re never sure of anything after you go past two miles, there’s a good chance that he could stay.”

PORT DOUGLAS
3 b c Galileo - Walzerkoenigin
Rated 105, he won the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh last year and was beaten a short-head by US Army Ranger in the Chester Vase on his return to action.

“He’s likely to run in the Derby, as it was a very good run at Chester considering he had to give 4lb to US Army Ranger. We left the blinkers off him on the day as he was making a big step up in trip, but they definitely seemed to sharpen him last year, so they might be back on him next time.”

PRETTY PERFECT
3 b f Galileo – Milanova
Rated 106, she won a maiden at Leopardstown in October and made an impressive return to action when winning the Salsabil Stakes at Navan in good style.

“When we held her up on her debut, she looked an ordinary filly, but her work has been better at home when in front than when held up, so we made the running with her in her two starts since and she has been very good. Hopefully her next run will show us whether how good she is, as we still don’t really know after her last run at Navan as there seemed to be a front-runner bias that day. There is a race coming up for her at Naas and that will tell us more.”

ROLY POLY
2 b f War Front – Misty For Me
Out of the top-class filly Misty For Me, she made a winning debut in a five-furlong maiden at Naas in April.

“It was a bit of a surprise that she won first time out and now that she’s won, she will have to go for something like the Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh. If you are hoping to go to Royal Ascot, it can sometimes be a disadvantage to win on debut in Ireland, as the opportunities outside of maiden company aren’t always there pre-Ascot. The Queen Mary is the race we’d be looking at, so we might rather take on the colts over five furlongs with her rather than run her in the six-furlong race at Naas and then have to drop her back to five furlongs at Ascot.”

SEVENTH HEAVEN
3 b f Galileo – La Traviata
Rated 93, she won a maiden at Dundalk in April and followed up in the Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes at Lingfield in May.

“Ryan didn’t think she liked the undulations at Lingfield, so if she was struggling there, she is likely to struggle at Epsom, so she might not go there.”

SHOGUN
3 b c Fastnet Rock – Perhelion
Rated 108, he won a maiden at the Curragh in July and has run well without winning in Group company on multiple occasions since, most recently finishing second in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown.

“Like with Idaho, we were happy with him at Leopardstown on Sunday as he was just left with a bit to do in a race that turned a bit tactical. We brought his sister straight from a mile to a mile-and-a-half and we didn’t think it was fair to do that with him, so that’s why we gave him his chance at a mile-and-a-quarter. We decided to ride him patiently given it was his first start at the trip, but looking at that run, we wouldn’t have any problem riding him handier next time and stepping up to a mile-and-a-half should be fine too. He’s a big rangy horse that is a work in progress and there should be more to come from him.”

SOMEHOW
3 b f Fastnet Rock - Alexandrova
Won a maiden at Leopardstown in April and followed up in a Listed race at Chester in May.

“I thought Somehow struggled with the track at Chester and usually if they don’t like it there, they find Epsom very tough, so she might end up in something like the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot.”

THE GURKHA
3 b c Galileo – Chintz
Delivered on the promise of his debut when winning a maiden at Navan by nine lengths in April.

“The plan is to run in the French 2000 Guineas and the French Derby would be a possibility, but he wouldn’t be sure to get beyond a mile as he shows plenty of pace. His two runs have been on testing ground, but he’ll prefer nicer ground. We always thought he was very good, but he was very sick as a two-year-old and was probably lucky to survive. Considering that, for him to be doing what he’s doing is massive really.”

US ARMY RANGER
3 b c Galileo – Moonstone
Made a winning debut in a maiden at the Curragh in April and followed up with a narrow win in the Chester Vase in May.

“Everyone is knocking the horse after Chester, but they shouldn’t be. There’s no doubt, I was a lot happier with him coming out of Chester than I was coming out of the Curragh. I remember Joseph saying to Ryan before he got up on him at the Curragh that this horse could be beaten here and still win the Derby. That’s how far behind he was where we wanted him to be.

We knew going to Chester that it wasn’t going to be easy for him, but he had to go there and learn if he was going to have a chance of winning the Derby. He was unraced as a two-year-old, so he had to learn in one race what he would have learned in two or three races. He was still so raw, he didn’t change his legs at all in the straight. He was whinnying before the race and after he pulled up, he was whinnying again, he didn’t know what was after happening.

What I liked the most about his performance was how well he travelled, as at no stage were they ever going quick enough for him. With hindsight, it would have been better for him if there was more pace in front of him, but he probably learned more the way the race panned out.

Of mine, he’s the one that’s open to the most improvement and I’m just going to have to hope that he’s not too babyish and is able to take the test that the Derby presents. We still have a few to run in trials, but I’ll put it like this, I’ll be very happy if we end up with a better one than him.”

VANCOUVER
3 b c Medaglia d’Oro – Skates
Formerly trained by Gai Waterhouse in Australia where he won the Group 1 Golden Slipper at Rosehill. He joined O’Brien in January.

“We are very excited about him, but we haven’t got a lot of time with him, as he’s going back to Australia after the July Cup. Looking at him physically, you’d be surprised that he did so well as a two-year-old given how big and powerful he is. What we have pencilled in for him is to run in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh on what will be a fact-finding mission, as won’t have been away from home prior to that, but we feel if he is going to go to Royal Ascot he needs to have a competitive experience fairly quickly. He will have lots of different entries for Royal Ascot, but he has to have been very fast to do what he did in Australia, so we are thinking more so towards the sprints than those over longer trips.”

WASHINGTON DC
3 b c Zoffany – How’s She Cuttin’
Rated 112, he won the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot prior to finishing second to Air Force Blue in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. He made a winning return in a Listed race at Dundalk prior to disappointing in a Group 3 at Ascot in April.

“I was worried about the ground going to Ascot and he got caught on the outer as well. There’s a chance it could just be a run to put a line through. He’s likely to run at Navan next and then it will be the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.”

THE KNOWLEDGE

AIR FORCE BLUE – A star juvenile that will bid to bounce back in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

MINDING – A superstar filly that is hotly-fancied for the Oaks.

US ARMY RANGER – Unbeaten in two starts and a leading Derby hope.

FOUND – One of the top older horses in training.

BALLYDOYLE – Top-class prospect that made an excellent return in the 1000 Guineas.

ORDER OF ST GEORGE – Top-class stayer that is being aimed at the Ascot Gold Cup.

VANCOUVER – An Australian import that could be a top-class sprinter in the making.

Racing Post Ballydoyle Stable Tour - Huge Thanks to Jason Doyle 

AOBFS Stable Tour 2016 complete A Big thank you to Red Hrafan for proof reading and correcting my mistakes. I will add anymore Stable tours to this page that come along in the future. Thanks for reading hope it was somewhat helpful. 

By Paul Rhodes for AOBFS 

Final Part Ballydoyle Juveniles

Ended up doing a fully blown preview of the Juveniles could not stop when I started ha.

Part 4 3yo Fillies

Alice Springs

Gorgeous Galileo Filly who was a 550,000 GNS Purchase at Tatts 2014, She is a full Sister to Crocodile Rock, Kingston Jamaica & Group 2 placed Criteria. She Had 7 starts as a Juvenile winning 2 of those. She won the Tattersalls Millions Fillies trophy at Newmarket in October but undoubtedly her career highlight to date came at Breeders Cup 2015 where she put up a fantastic performance finishing runner up in the Fillies juvenile turf. She has already clocked up £328,476 in Career earnings. She holds entries in the English & Irish Guineas and the English & Irish Oaks. She has already proven she is a proper Group 1 Performer and there is more to come from her.

Ballydoyle 

Galileo Filly who is a full Sister to 4 time Group One Winner Misty For Me One of the greatest fillies ever homed at Ballydoyle she won 4 Group One races in her illustrious career. Ballydoyle clearly was always thought a lot of given the name bestowed upon her. Ballydoyle had 6 starts as a Juvenile and she won half of them the highlight being the 2015 Prix Marcel Boussac she was in a league of her own that day. Ballydoyle holds entries in the English & Irish Guineas and the English & Irish Oaks but Aidan suggests she will make a start in the French Guineas. I see her more as a miler than an Oaks Filly I think she will go to the French Guineas then the Irish version then the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot before taking on her elders in the Falmouth Stakes. She certainly has the potential to become a superstar in 2016.

Best in the World

Highly regarded Galileo Filly who is a full sister to multiple Group One winner Found. She made 2 starts as a juvenile an eye catching run when finishing 2nd by half a length on debut at Gowran park in September. Broke her maiden on her final outing as a juvenile at the Curragh in mid October she was partnered by Ryan. She is very well thought of and I like her alot certainly one sneaking under the radar as of now. Watch this space a star could soon be born. Hold entries in all 4 Classics.

Californiadreaming

Fastnet Rock filly who is a Full Sister to Cougar Mountain. She has changed ownership a few times from John Magnier to Annmarie O'Brien but will again now run in the Magnier navy blue colours pointing to her showing a vast improvement. She had 3 starts as a Juvenile she was one of the first 2 year olds out in 2015 starting her career in April at Navan she finished 3rd on the day and showed some potential. Was out again a month later and faired one better finishing 2nd in a Naas maiden. She was not seen again until late October and ran disappointingly finishing 7th of 8 runners in a Leopardstown maiden. So she comes into 2016 still a maiden but interesting holds entries in both the English & Irish Guineas. Certainly one to keep an eye on.  

Coolmore

Beautiful Galileo Filly who is a full Sister to G1 Winner Marvellous & multiple G1 winner Gleneagles and her 2 year old brother is also at Ballydoyle in 2016. Coolmore was given the name of a lifetime but was always a work in progress as a juvenile where she had 4 starts she actually broke her maiden tag in the Group 3 Weld Park Stakes quite an achievement. She went on to run a solid race finishing 4th in the Group One Fillies mile behind Minding which ended up being her last run. She has really grown over the winter i was really taken by the look of her at the Curragh over the weekend. Aidan has already stated that she will stay a good bit further than her siblings. I always saw her as an Oaks Filly. The best is certainly yet to come from her and come June should be a major contender in the Oaks. She could yet be anything and turn out to be the best of the fillies. She is still a little babyish but i'm sure Sunday would have done her alot of good.

Dewdrop

Fastnet Rock Filly who was a 400,000 GNS Purchase at Tatts 2014. She is a half Sister to Group 2 winner Ladys First. She got 4 starts as a Juvenile but remains a maiden she however did put in some solid performances and showed potential on her final run as a juvenile finishing 2nd of 10 in a Cork Maiden in mid October having said that she holds no entries in any of the classics and may be one of the lesser lights in this division.

Earring

Unraced Dansili Filly who is the first offspring of Ballydoyle American Group One winner Together who won the 2011 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Keeneland. She is well thought of and holds entries in the Irish Guineas and Irish Oaks. Her pedigree leads me to believe she will be more of a miler. she is one to keep an eye on.

Eavesdrop

Galileo Filly who is a half Sister to Group 1 winning sprinter Kingsgate Native. She had 2 starts as a Juvenile but is another who comes into 2016 still a maiden she showed some solid potential last time out finishing 5th in a Curragh Maiden in October. She holds no entries in any of the classics and maybe one of the lesser lights this term.

Etched

Dansili Filly who is a full Sister to race winner Pour Deux. She had 2 solid runs as a Juvenile finishing 4th first time out in a Naas maiden in September and then going on to finish second in a Navan maiden in October 2 decent performances. Holds entries in the Irish Guineas & Oaks. There is potential there and certainly alot more to come from her.

Even Song

Mastercraftsman filly who was a 170,000 EUR Purchase At Goffs 2014. She is a half Sister to Race Winners Lord Jim Simple Verse & Maxentius. She had 2 runs as a juvenile showed great potential finishing 3rd on debut in a Dundalk maiden. She broke her maiden tag next time out mighty impressively beating home a field of 13 by over 3 lengths at Leopardstown in October. She is certainly another nicely sneaking under the radar. She hold entries in all 4 classics in 2016 I like her alot one for the notebook.

Hibiscus

Unraced Galileo filly who was a 650,000 GNS Purchase at Tatts 2014. She is the First offspring of Jacqueline Quest who was disqualified after winning the 2010 1000 Guineas. Hibiscus only has 1 entry in the classics and that in the Irish Guineas. Look forward to her coming out and attempting to get rid of the maiden tag. She is a bit of a mystery horse to be honest.

How High The Moon

Fastnet Rock Filly who is a Full-sister to Group One winner Diamondsandrubies. She got her career off to a flyer winning first time out at the Curragh in August impressively. She then finished 2nd in a listed race again at the Curragh just finishing half a Length behind another Ballydoyle resident Kind Of Magic. Her final run of the season again came at the Curragh in the Weld Park Stakes finishing 6th behind Coolmore. She remains in all 4 classics and as we know with her sister the best came in her classic year she is certainly one not to write off.

Kind Of Magic

Galileo Filly who is the first offspring of Look At Me, who won the Listed Navigation Stakes at Cork in 2011. She had 4 starts as a juvenile she broke her maiden in the Flame of Tara Listed Stakes at the Curragh in late August it was her 3rd run. Her final run of the season came in the Weld Park Stakes G3 finishing 7th behind Coolmore. As a juvenile she looked a little exposed at the highest level. She holds entries in the Irish Guineas & Oaks she is a solid filly just not sure she is out of the top drawer I sincerely hope she proves me wrong.

Like A Star

Unraced Galileo Filly who is  is a full-sister to Battle Of Marengo, who won the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial before finishing a close-up fourth at Epsom. Other relations include Perhaps, who pushed G1 winner Tapestry to a length and a quarter in the Debutante (Group 2) in 2013 and Loved. Sadly she holds no classic entries leading me to believe she will be one of the lesser lights.

Luxury

Unraced Fastnet Rock Filly. Luxury has a very bright pedigree and she is a half-sister to Shamardal and Geoffrey Chaucer but sadly has no classic entries maybe another lesser light in 2016.

Minding

Superstar Galileo Filly. Her dam Lillie Langtry  won two Group 1's as a three-year-old, winning the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and then the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown. This is her second offspring, the first being smart maiden winner Kissed By Angels. Had a sensational juvenile career winning 2 group one races which inclued the Moyglare Stud Stakes and the brilliant winner of the Fillies Mile at Newmarket added to that she beat Group One winner BALLYDOYLE along the way her juvenile form is the best in the book. She always looked an Oaks filly to me but will make a start in the English Guineas she has wintered well and is a well respected contender in all of the classics this term odds on she adds to her group one CV in 2016.

Prefer

Galileo Filly who is a full-sister to Moth who was third in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and 4th in the Oaks the same season I was a big fan of Moth she was a great filly who never quite proved it on the track. only had one start as a juvenile in the Leopardstown maiden that Even Song won October Prefer finished 6th. She holds entries in the Irish Guineas & Oaks. Looks the type that may take time to come right but that will pay dividends later in the season.

Pretty Perfect

Galileo Filly who's pedigree might not not have you purring but she is a Galileo Danehill cross. She is a full sister to race winner Los Barbados. She smartly broke her duck in a Leopardstown maiden at the second attempt given a canny front running ride by Ana. She holds entries in the Irish Guineas & Oaks. To be honest i'm not completely sold on her but she has shown potential.

Seventh Heaven

Highly regarded Galileo filly who is a half-sister to Cristoforo Colombo. She was a real work in progress as a Juvenile. She showed little on debut finishing 7th in a Leopardstwon Maiden in September and was interestingly sent to Newmarket for her second attempt at breaking her maiden she was partnered by Paul Hannigan she did ok in 4th. she is entered in the Irish Guineas & Oaks. The best is yet to come with this filly the team think a lot of her but the classics may come too soon for her but one to keep an eye on. 

Somehow

Fastnet Rock Filly with a pedigree to die for she is the 5th foal out of Epsom Oaks Heroine Alexandrova & she is a Half Sister to Alex My Boy Drops & Fonteyn. only 1 run as a Juvenile in the maiden that Pretty Perfect won she showed great potential finishing 3rd. She is another who is entered in the Irish Guineas & Oaks. I really liked the look of her on debut hopefully she will be out early to break her maiden tag then onto better things.

Wild Child

Unraced Galileo Filly who's dam Beauty Bright has produced a few nice types in the past when mated with Galileo, but nothing really of the star quality, and her siblings include race winners Milky Way, Perfect Light, Greek Goddess and Highflying. She holds no classic entries and is more than likely a lesser light.

VERDICT

5 individual Group one winners among the 3 year old division in 2016. The team boasts an incredibly strong hand in the mile division for colts lead by Air Force Blue and Hit It a Bomb. In The fillies Mile Division the team have a strong hand too with Ballydoyle & Minding who I believe will be suited by further. Last term was hugely disappointing when looking at the  middle distance colts. This term while there are none really with outstanding claims as yet but im sure plenty of contenders will appear over the first few months of the season. Group One winner Johannes Vermeer looks one that has the scope to improve greatly from 2. There are a huge amount of regally breds unraced 3YO Colts and they could be anything. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Sean O''Casey & US Army Ranger. Plenty of Options too in the Fillies Middle distance ranks I really like Coolmore and Minding for the Oaks Best in the World too.There is plenty of ammunition among the 3YO Ranks should be a fine season and alot to look forward to. 

Part 3 3yo Colts (Raced)

Air Force Blue

War Front 3YO who was a $550,000 Purchase at Keeneland 2014 who went on to become the Champion Juvenile of 2015 winning 3 Group One Races along the way and becoming one of the greatest juveniles ever to be homed at Ballydoyle. He won the Phoenix Stakes National Stakes & Dewhurst Stakes. Had a Big Frame to fill over the winter but loooking at him he has filled it well and the best is yet to come I Seriously believe he can dominate the mile division this term he can take on all comers and dispatch them. Vibes at home are very strong I think this fella is a Superstar and will go down as one of the greats so much to look forward to and it all starts 4 weeks on Saturday

Air Vice Marshal

War Front 3YO who was a $2,200,000 Purchase at Keeneland 2014 and what a beast he looked on that day. Half-brother to Multiple Group One winner Contested, He's only had 3 runs to date Broke his maiden tag at the second attempt at Gowran park in June. He was then sent to England to run in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes in July at Goodwood Ran a decent race finishing second to Birchwood and was put away for the season afterwards. Was entered in the UAE Derby so id say he cant be far off a starting point this season. He's on my horses to follow 2015/16 list always thought alot of him and he seriously could be anything best certainly to come.

A Year to Remember

Galileo Colt who is a Half Brother to multiple Group 3 winner Green Destiny. Had 2 starts as a juvenile and broke his maiden tag at the second attempt at Limerick in October. Has entries in the English and Irish Derby. He's one who could be sent out early for a classic trial raced at 7 furlongs as a Juvenile could start at a mile or maybe go the Derby trial Route an interesting member of middle distance ranks.

Bay of Biscay

Galileo Colt Full Brother to Island in the Sun. Things did not go well for him as a Juvenile 2 starts and finished 7th of 12 and 9th of 16. He has no Major entries and was not present at the Curragh. Possibly one of the lesser lights this term.

Beacon Rock

Galileo Colt Full Brother to Wedding Vow. His dam Remember When was second in 2010 Epsom Oaks this guy has an Epsom Pedigree. He had 4 starts as a Juvenile he always looked a work in progress. Broke his maiden at the second attempt at the Curragh in August. Then ran with great credit behind Port Douglas in the Beresford Stakes. Was then sent to England to contest the Group 3 Autumn Stakes he ran a cracker finishing 2nd beaten half a length by Gifted Master. He Has entries in the Epsom Derby & the Irish Guineas & Irish Derby More than Likely he will go to York or Chester for a trail and is one to watch.

Birthplace

Galileo Colt A Full Brother to 2012 Dee Stakes winner & Epsom Derby 3rd Astrology. Another whom Things did not go well for as a Juvenile he had 3 starts and finished 6th of 14 5th of 12 8th of 12 he did show some potential.  He has no Major entries and was not present at the Curragh. Possibly another who will be one of the lesser lights this term.

Black Sea

Galileo Colt A Half Brother to Michaelmas & Father Christmas. He had 3 starts as a juvenile Broke his maiden at the second attempt at the the Curragh over 7 furlongs in October. He then ran in Killavulan Stakes Group 3 later that month and ran well finishing 3rd behind Blue De Vega. He always looked a work in progress as a 2 year old. He Has entries in the Epsom Derby & the Irish Guineas & Irish Derby Certainly one who should show plenty of improvement at 3.

Bravery

Highly Regarded Galileo Colt who was a 400,000 GNS Purchase at Tatts 2014. He is a Half Brother to Listed winner Palace who was 7th in last years Epsom Oaks. He has already made a start this season He ran on open day at the Curragh finishing 6th and on the face of it that looked a disappointing run he travelled well in the race but  got tired at the end possibly down to being a bit ring rusty he was more than likely just out for a run. Some have already written him off as a Classic Prospect but I would not be so quick to do so & I think it would be foolish. He is very well thought of and I'd say he will be a very different horse come June. Needs to get out again in a few weeks and get rid of the maiden tag then onto better thing will also appreciate better ground still holds entries in all the right races.

Claudio Montreverdi

Galileo Colt who is a Full Brother to 3 time Group One winner Lush Lashes who's successes include the Coronation Stakes, Yorkshire Oaks & Matron Stakes in 2008. Another who has already made a start this season, He ran on open day at the Curragh and you would have to say he was very unlucky finished like a train once he got out in the clear and was a real eye catcher finishing 4th and went into many peoples notebooks afterwards. He holds entries in both the English & Irish Derby & it wont be long before he is back out to break his maiden tag.

Cook Islands

Fastnet Rock Colt who is a Half Brother race winners Wooden Heart, Falkland Flyer, Leaf, & Silky. He only had 2 starts as a Juvenile really impressively breaking his maiden at the second attempt at Navan in October scoring by just under 4 lengths he was then put away for the winter. Another who holds entries in both the English & Irish Derby and will no doubt be sent on the Derby trial route.

Cole Porter

Galileo Colt who is the first offspring of classy mare AZ Warrior who was a Grade One winner in USA, winning The 2010 Frizette Stakes. He also has a 2YO Full Sister at Ballydoyle. He had 3 starts as a juvenile and ran well in them all without breaking his maiden tag finishing 4th 2nd & 3rd. He also holds entries in both the English & Irish Derby but will need to get out fairly early and win his Maiden then off to better things afterwards.

Deauville

Galileo Colt who runs in the Fitri Hay Colours. He is a Full brother to multiple race winner The Corsican & his Dam was placed in graded company in USA. He got his career of to a Flyer winning his first 2 starts. He was then sent for 2 races in England the first being the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes he did well finishing 2nd just behind Foundation. He then represented Team Ballydoyle in the Group One racing Post Trophy where he ran a shade disappointingly behind Marcel and future Group One winner Johannes Vermeer. Holds entries in the Epsom Derby Irish Guineas & Derby I would just ignore his last run he could be a serious player in the classics this term.

General MacArthur

War Front Colt out of Imagine who was a brilliant Dual Classic winner. Half Brother to Group One winner Horatio Nelson & Group Two Winner Kitty Matchum. Had 2 cracks at breaking his maiden as a juvenile which he did at Dundalk last September leading home a field of 14 he was subsequently put away for the winter. He holds entries in the Epsom Derby Irish Guineas & Derby could he be the first War Front Epsom classic winner. To me he looks more of a miler and if thats the case were he will fit in as the team already have 2 serious miler prospects. He's on my horses to follow list so will be keeping a close eye on him.

Hit It A Bomb 

Brilliant Breeders Cup Juvenile winning War Front Colt out of Liscanna. He was the final 2YO to be named last year and was not named until late May. He has a 2YO Full sister at Ballydoyle and she has already been named Brave Anna a good sign that we will see her out early. Hit it a Bomb had 3 runs at 2 and won the lot Broke his maiden tag on debut then won at Dundalk before impressively winning at Breeders Cup 2015 where he showed an electric turn of foot and finishing burst to just get up on the line (I still have no idea how he won just the brilliance of Ryan Moore) He has grown nicely over the winter his muscles have muscles. It looks like he will start of in the French Guineas and he is a serious prospect I also think he will get a bit further than a mile in time could the Breeder Cup Classic be an end of season target for him. I have no doubts he will add to his sole Group One success this term an exciting horse maybe not quite in the league of AFB But who is.

Housesofparliment

Galileo Colt Full brother to 2013 St Leger 5th Foundry. Only one run as a Juvenile which came at Tipperary over 9 furlongs in early October were he finished 5th Behind Siamsaiocht Cole Porter was also 3rd. He was then put away for the winter. He holds an entry at Cork on Saturday and also holds entries in the Epsom & Irish Derby, Like his Brother he could be more of a staying type and could be a Queens Vase horse Could follow a similar path to Leading Light to the St Leger he showed potential on debut one to watch.

Hudson Canyon

Galileo Colt Full Brother to Aloof & unraced 4YO Fairytale Ending who is with David Wachman. He only had one start as a 2YO he finished 7th of 16 at Navan last September. He holds no fancy entries and may be one of the lesser lights this term he did show some potential on Debut.

Idaho

Well thought of Galileo Colt who was a 750,000 GNS Purchase He is a Full brother to Multiple Group One  winner Highland Reel. Got his career of to a mighty impressive start winning on debut by over 3 lengths at the Curragh in October. He was then sent straight into Group One Company in France when he ran in the Criterium De St Cloud the ground was pretty desperate and he just did not look quite ready for the step up in class and distance. He's entered in the Epsom Derby & Irish Derby and could be a big player come June. There's still plenty of improvement left in him. 

Johannes Vermeer 

Well Regarded Galileo Colt Co-Owned by The China Horse Club. He was a 300,000 EUR Purchase at Goffs 2014 He is the First Foal of his dam Inca Princess who is a Holy Roman Emperor mare. He finished his Juvenile campaign as a Group One winner winning the Criterium International at St Cloud He also won the Champions Juvenile Stakes Group 3 on Irish Champions Weekend he has won 3 of his 6 starts to date. China horse club are keen for a Guineas runner which makes sense as he would have to carry a Group One penalty in any trial clearly he will be more suited by the Derby. He had plenty of room to grow and I think the best is yet to come from him in his classic year he is big player in the middle distance division in 2016.

Kellstorm

Galileo Colt Co-Owned by The China Horse Club whom they purchased for 875,000 GNS at Tatts 2014 He is full Brother to Irish St Leger winner Order Of St George. He only made one start as a Juvenile and finished down the field in 7th of 10 at Gowran Park in October he was picked by Joseph O'Brien on the day but stable mate Swordfighter fared better in the race. He is another who is Entered at Cork on Saturday and entered in the Epsom Derby & Irish Derby. In Time like his brother he may need further and could be a player in the St Leger.  

Landofhopeandglory

High Chaparral Colt who was a 260,000 GNS  Purchase at Tatts 2014. He is a Half-brother to 3 time race winner Sir Fredlot. He had 4 starts a Juvenile and was never out of the top 2. He was Placed in the Listed Zetland Stakes at Newmarket in October over 10 furlongs. He looks an out and out stayer to me but Aidan Believes he will be a classic contender in 2016. Interestingly holds an entry in the Irish 2000 Guineas a trip I personally think would be 2 short for him also holds an entry in both Derbies. I see him as more of a Leger type. 

London

Galileo Colt who was a 300,000 GNS Purchase at Tatts 2014. He is a full Brother to 2006 Blue Wind Stakes G3 Winner Galatee. He is still a maiden after 3 starts as a Juvenile but was never far away, 2 of those maiden races were won by Shogun and Herald the Dawn so he has solid form lines. He holds an entry in Both the Epsom & Irish Derby. Another one who will be out early enough to try and break his maiden tag.

Painted Cliffs

Out of the first crop of Canford Cliffs. Half Brother to Race winners Keeneland & Welsh Bard. He's already a Group 2 winner he won the 2015 Railway Stakes spent the most of the rest of his Juvenile Career chasing home Air Force Blue. He holds an entry in both the English & Irish 2000 Guineas he is a nice horse but think Ballydoyle have bigger guns in the mile division this term. Held on the form of Air Force Blue but that shouldn't count against him..

Pietro Testa

Galileo Colt who was a whopping 2,600,000 GNS Purchase at Tatts 2014. He is a Half Brother to King George winner Harbinger. He received a name change during last season he was previously named Londonderry Air. Only made one start as a Juvenile and that came at Leopardstown in October he ran well in 5th place behind Bravery who finished 2nd on the day. He showed potential. He is fairly high up the Epsom Derby market currently priced at 25/1 which is short enough for a maiden. He holds entries in all the right races and really could be anything he is another on my horses to follow list and I have high hopes for him.

Port Douglas

Galileo Colt His Dam was a multiple Group race winner in Italy & France, she was also Group One placed. Half Brother to multiple Group One winner In Germany Wiener Walzer. Given a Canny ride by Emmet McNamara in the 2015 Beresford Stakes Group 2 a Race which he won from the front he was then sent to Doncaster to run in the Racing Post Trophy and was deservedly again partnered by Emmet he ran ok in 4th this was his final run as a juvenile. He holds entries in the Irish Guineas & Both the Epsom & Irish Derby. As a juvenile he looked like a staying type.

Schubert

War Front Colt who was a $1,300,000 Purchase at Keenland 2014. He is a Half brother to graded stakes placed Timely Tally. He had 3 starts as a Juvenile he ran well on all 3 occasions but remains a maiden. He is another who is entered at Cork this weekend and holds an entry in the Irish 2000 Guineas. He looked a work in progress at 2 better to come from him.

Shogun

Well Regarded Fastnet Rock Colt who cost 400,000 EUR at Goffs 2014 and is Co Owned By Annmarie O'Brien. He is a full Brother to Epsom Oaks Heroine Qualify. It was a bit of a mixed bag to his juvenile career. He is ground dependent and wants proper fast summer ground. Did not show himself at his best last time out when finishing 10th behind Hit it a Bomb at the Breeders Cup. He is very well thought of and it would be foolish to write him off. One of the few Ballydoyle colts to hold entries in the English & Irish Guineas and English & Irish Derby.

Successor

Galileo Colt His Dams sixth foal and so far has failed to produce anything of note. Had 2 runs as a Juvenile but did not fair too well. Another entered at Cork at the weekend but holds no other entries could be a lesser light this season.

Sword Fighter

Galileo Colt Half brother to race winners Spiritual Healing & Big Audi. Was previously named Monarch. Only had one start as a Juvenile and was an eye catching 3rd at Gowran Park in late October. Another entered at Cork at the weekend and holds entries in the Epsom & Irish Derby. He was removed from the tattersalls Horses in taining sale last October and I dont blame them he showed serious potential on debut one to watch.

The Major General

Galileo Colt who was a Purchase 1,500,000 EUR at Goffs 2014. Full brother to Albany Stakes (Group 3 winners Cuis Ghaire & Scintillula. Only had one start as a juvenile at Leopardstown in October were he finished in midfield. Clearly he is well thought of was kept in the Derby at the latest forfiet stage and is also in the Irish Guineas & Derby. 

Washington DC

Out of the first crop of champion 2015 First Season Sire Zoffany who was a 340,000 EUR Purchase at Goffs 2014. Was a high class juvenile won the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) at Royal Ascot and ran well in 2nd behind Air Force Blue in the Group One Pheonix Stakes It ended up being his last run as a Juvenile he was entered at the Breeders Cup But did not take his place. Holds entries in the English & Irish Guineas. His form is solid and could have a big season ahead.

Waterloo Bridge

Out of the first crop of champion 2015 First Season Sire Zoffany. who was a 350,000 GNS Purchase at Tatts 2014. Forces of Darkness a Group 3 winner in France.(Received a Name Change during the spring was previously named General Belgrano) Took a while to get going as juvenile took 4 starts to break his maiden and then went on to Royal Ascot 2015 and won the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes.t Later ran well in 2nd at Newmarket in the Tattersalls millions Trophy. He was not at his best when last seen running on the dirt in the Breeders Cup Juvenile his last run to date. Holds entries in the English & Irish Guineas another nice option in the mile division. 

Part 2 3yo Colts  (Unraced)

This took longer than thought so will split them 3YO raced colts on Thursday and hopefully All 3YO Fillies on Friday Then the Juveniles on Saturday. Many thanks to my proof reader Red.

Big Ben

Galileo Colt who Cost 750,000 GNS He is the final foal out of Flirtation His Half sister Attraction was a Multiple G1 winner Big Ben was a gorgeous yearling he really took the eye. Not seen out at 2 but is entered in The Derby. He was present at the Curragh. A good sign that he will soon be seen out.

Bhutan

Galileo Colt who is a Half Brother to American multiple Grade One winner General Quarters. He has no entries to his name but was present at the Curragh. he could be a wait and see horse..

Black Hawk War

A War Front Colt Half Brother to Borderland Derby winner Fusa Code. unusual to see an unraced War Front 2 Year old they are usually so precocious. Entered in the Derby & Irish Guineas also Entered on Cork on Saturday.

Candle Rocks

Fastnet Rock Colt Half Brother to Mutliple Group One winner Rumpelstiltskin (The Dam of Tapestry) He has no entries to his name & wasn't present at the Curragh. One we may not see anytime soon.

Celtic Chieftain

Galileo Colt A Full brother to Multiple Group One winner Maybe. Recently taken out of the Derby but remains in the Irish Derby He was also not present on Sunday and could be another taking longer to come to hand.

Cockatoo Island

Another unraced War Front Colt Half Brother to Lady Tapit & 6 time race winner Gallileo Figaro. Has Entries in the Irish Guineas & Irish Derby a good sign but was not present at the Curragh.

Crocodile Shoes

Galileo Colt who is a Full Brother to Hobart & Thomas Wedgwood. He has been Kept in the Epsom Derby at the latest Forfeit stage & Irish Guineas & Irish Derby which is a very good sign. Not present at the Curragh.

De Coronado

Street Cry Colt A New Recruit from America No Less than ZENYATTA's Full Brother Heard he has plenty of Stamina and may not be seen until later in the season Also Has No Entries.

Jonathon Swift

Galileo Colt who is a Half Brother to 2006 Middle Park Stakes winner Dutch Art. Has No Entires and was not present at the Curragh on Sunday. Possibly another taking longer to come to hand.

Land of The Free

A Rare Ballydoyle Oasis Dream Colt A Full Brother to Group Two placed Toogoodtobetrue. Another who has no entries to his Name & not Present at the Curragh & Could be another Backwards type strange given his Pedigree.

Long Island Sound

Yet another Unraced War Front Colt who was a $800,000 Purchase. His Dam is a half sister of Superstar Mare Zenyatta. Another who has no entries and was not present on Sunday.

Motherland

Galileo Colt Who's Dam was the Group 1 Sprint Cup winner this colt is also a Half Brother to Group 3 Winner Walk On Bye. Has No Entries and was not Present on Sunday maybe another backwards type 

Monarch

Galileo Colt Full brother to multiple Group One winner Roderic O'Connor & Listed winner Dazzling was given a very Special Name Early on Last Year FINN MCCOOL But was renamed and then renamed again after that. He worked at the Curragh and has entries in the Epsom Derby & the Irish Guineas & Irish Derby Suspect wont be long before we get to see him. 

New Millennium

Galileo Colt Full Brother to race winner Robin Hood another with no entries and not present on Sunday.

Romanesque

One of the final Montjeu's This colt was the Dams first foal she was a race winner in France. Interestingly kept in the Epsom Derby and I Pray that Montjeu finds a Star from his final crop. He was not working on Sunday.

San Francisco

Galileo Colt His Dam Rumpelstiltskin was a dual Group One winner in Ireland & France as a two-year-old full brother of Yorkshire Oaks winner Tapestry & John F Kennedy. Even though he was not seen out as a Juvenile he has Entries in all the Right Places entered in Epsom Derby & the Irish Guineas & Irish Derby. He was present at the Curragh. He could be anything but going by his siblings will need a few races to get going.

Santa Anita

Fastnet Rock Colt who was a 320,000 GNS purchase. He's a Half Brother to 2013 Epsom Oaks Winner Talent. Another Colt with no Major entries and was not present at The Curragh.

Santiago De Cuba

Pour Moi Colt who was a 210,000 GNS Purchase. This is the Dams first foal she was a Group Three winner. He's another who has Entries in all the Right Places entered in the Epsom Derby & the Irish Guineas & Irish Derby. 

Sean O'Casey

Highly Regarded Galileo Colt who has been given a very special name and one that has been kept for years. Half Brother to Group 3 winner Liscanna who is the Dam of 2015 breeders Cup Juvenile Winner Hit it a Bomb. Entered at Cork on Saturday and entered in the Epsom Derby & the Irish Guineas & Irish Derby. One for the notebook lads.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Fastnet Rock Colt who has a pedigree to die for and is a Half-Brother to high class fillies Bracelet & Wading His Dam is a half sister to Sea The Stars & Galileo. Second Dam is Urban Sea. Has no major entries which is disappointing given that Pedigree also not present at the Curragh but one who could be worth waiting for.

The Gurkha

Galileo Colt A Full Brother to Classy filly Queen Nefertiti & unbeaten colt Illinois who sadly is no longer with us. Had Serious Colic Surgery last year anything he achieves this year will be a bonus we are just glad he is still with us was great to see him at in action at the Curragh & Does Hold Entries in the Epsom Derby & the Irish Guineas & Irish Derby. 

Three Star General

Montjeu Colt who was a 675,000 GNS  Purchase. His Dam ran twice, winning once over 1m in France Three Star General is a Brother to Vahorimix, top class miler Volisix, He's still in the Epsom Derby and worked at the Curragh on Sunday. Another I Hope will do well for his Father.

Tree of Knowledge

Oasis Dream Dream colt Out of Wonder of Wonders this is her first foal. She was second in 2011 Epsom Oaks & 3rd in 2011 Irish Oaks. Also 3rd in the 2011 Yorkshire Oaks. He remains entered in the Irish Derby. He did not Work at the Curragh.

Treasure Chest

Galileo Colt who was Previously named Hyde Park. he's a Half Brother to Multiple Group race winner Caribbean Sunset. he is another who is entered up at Cork On Saturday so obviously one who is ready to roll in 2016. Also entered in the 2016 Epsom Derby.

Triplicate

Galileo Colt. this is the Dams 2nd foal, The first is yet to reach the track. Dam was placed in pattern company. Triplicate remains in the Irish Derby. was not present at the Curragh.  Going by his Sibling he may be a little backward.

US Army Ranger

Highly Regarded Galileo Colt who's Pedigree screams Derby. He is a Half Brother to Classy Filly Words, Lingfield Derby Trial winner Nevis & Listed Winner Stubbs. His Dam Moonstone was the Irish oaks winner in 2008. He was at the Curragh on Sunday and is entered in the Epsom Derby & the Irish Guineas & Irish Derby. Vibes are good for this fella another for the notebook.

Walk The Line

High Chaparral Colt who was a 180,000 GNS Purchase this is the Dams First foal. He has no entries to his name and was not at the Curragh  Maybe taking a while to come to hand.

Will do the Verdict on the 3YO when i have completed the 3YO Fillies

Part 1 Older Division

Vancouver

New Recruit from the Gai Waterhouse yard in Australia a son of Medaglia d´Oro already a Group one Winner winning the 2015 Golden Slipper. possibly shipped over to contest sprints but I suspect he could be more of a Miler. Was not present at the after racing workout on Sunday likely to need more time and the Lockinge in May could come too soon but bound to be in great shape by Royal Ascot and the Queen Anne could be his Target he could be anything.

Bondi Beach

The 4YO son of Galileo was the 2015 St Leger runner up a race which he won in the stewards room and then lost in the Appeal Hearing. Last seen running in the Melbourne Cup in November finishing 16th. Has clearly been kept to Bolster a strong staying division this term. Not quite in the same league as stable mate Order of St George but will be a big Player in staying races this term Target could be the Ascot Gold Cup.

Cougar Mountain  

The 5yo son of Fastnet Rock has looked slightly exposed at the very highest level started out as a sprinter then was tried over a mile where he ran well finishing 3rd behind Solow in the 2015 Queen Anne so far his career highlight. Has since been tried twice at 1 mile 2 furlongs a trip he clearly does not stay. Can see him going back to a mile this term and could run in the Lockinge I would be somewhat surprised if he bagged a Group One this season but has been kept for a reason. 

Dick Whittington 

Was Intrigued that the 4YO son of Rip Van Winkle was kept in training he was lightly raced at 3 only appeared once in the Greenham Stakes (Guineas Trial) in April 2015 he finished 4th & has been off the track since. He's Already a Group One winner Winning the 2014 Phoenix Stakes I think its a good sign that he has been kept pointing to the best is yet to come and he could come alive as a 4 year old. I'd say he will be running in Sprints & Mile Races this term could also start in the Lockinge.

Father Christmas

Lightly raced 4YO Son of Bernardini who is a Half Brother to Black Sea & Michaelmas. So far he has won 1 from 4 starts broke his maiden at Rosscommon last June and just 2 weeks later ran a stormer in the King Edward Stakes Group 2 finishing 3rd ahead of Stable Mate Ol'Man River Really interesting that this fella has been kept he still could be anything. Has an entry in the Tatts Gold Cup but see him as back up to Highland Reel and Found for the mile 4 races like the Coronation Cup. He's not usually the type they keep so there must be something about him suspect he could be a very smart 4YO.  

Hallmark

Lightly Raced 4YO son of Montjeu broke his Maiden at the first attempt at Leopardstown in August 2015 then disappointed finishing 4th of 4 in the Ladbrokes Stakes Race. Another type they rarely keep so keep an eye on him may contest Handicaps early on. 

Highland Reel 

Multiple Group One winning 4YO son of Galileo Winner of the 2015 Secretariat Stakes & Hong Kong Vase. Starts of at Meydan on Saturday runs in the Sheema Classic will be partnered by Ryan Moore and has a great chance. His Form is strong even when he did not win races as a 3 year old he always performed well Make Believe New Bay Jack Hobbs Golden Horn & Winx all beat him in races last year that is a top class cast and his form is top class even though In Many peoples eyes he is not a Superstar I personally think he could be in for a Big season could continue to globe trot too with Found being the Number one in the middle distance races he could be sent on his travels but adds great depth to the older division.

Kingfisher

5yo son of Galileo who ran an incredible race in the 2015 Ascot Gold Cup and was so so unlucky finishing strongly in 2nd spot Ryan is still gutted about that. He is yet to win a Group race in his career something i'm sure he will put right during 2016.  He is not quite in the same class of Order of St George but will no doubt be again targeted at the Gold Cup he adds good depth to incredably strong Staying Division of Older horses.  

Ol'Man River

4YO son of Montjeu who undoubtedly disappointed at 3 where his form reads 0,6,4,5. Looked to have the world at his feet as an unbeaten Juvenile. Really hard to evaluate him. Always showed potential at home and going into the 2015 season was undoubtedly high up the Ballydoyle Pecking order but it just all went wrong. I Never write off a horse easily and certainly one that Aidan Trains he can work miracles Hopefully he will get to the bottom of him and we see him performing well again but the Jury is out. 

Order of St George 

4YO son of Galileo who I have lovingly nicknamed Yeats 2 he is a superstar stayer in the making. What a huge loss Leading Light was to the 2015 older division when he retired through injury at the end of 2014 but now along comes Order to Order one might say. Its hard to believe he ran over 7 Furlongs as a juvenile. He has won 3 on the bounce which includes his romp in the 2015 Irish St Leger he had the race put to bed early and demolished a classy field by 11 lengths. He really has it all and the Ascot Gold Cup is surely his for the taking. Slightly concerned he was not amongst the workers on Sunday. 

Sir Isaac Newton

4YO son of Galileo of I have a huge soft spot for. Another who probably disappointed many at 3 but I saw some potential in him. He's Lightly raced only 5 career starts clearly a long way off the finished article as a 3 year old. He ran a cracker in the 2015 Jersey Stakes and was unlucky in 6th. He last raced on Irish Champions Day in the Boomerang Stakes he finished 4th of 5 5 Lengths behind Custom Cat on the day I was disappointed but I Keep the faith in him I think he will make a smart 4 year old needs to show a bit more courage I Think Aidan will get to the bottom of him we just need to work out his best trip Could go on to Group One success in 2016. Could make a start in the Gladness Stakes on the 3rd of April but suspect 7 furlong will be more than on the short side for him.

The Happy Prince

4YO son of Rip Van Winkle Highly regarded by Aidan and the Team did not really show his true potential at 3 He has raced 8 times and won 2 and Placed 5 times (He is listed placed) solid enough form but the fact he has been so highly touted and kept in training I suspect there is much more to come from him watch this space. He is another entered in the Gladness Stakes on the 3rd of April 

Fluff

4YO Daughter of Galileo and a full sister to Maybe. Only Twice raced broke her maiden at the first attempt Navan last April in impressive Fashion beating a field of 16 by over 4 lengths then suffered a setback and was put away for the season. Already made a start in 2016 clearly out for a run and showed potential on Sunday finishing 5th of 11 travelled well in the race not knocked about and the is major improvement in her in my Opinion she is a Group Filly and yet could turn out to be Group One class look forward to her this season. 

Found

I Think I have saved the best until last FOUND A 4YO Daughter of Galileo she was a work in progress as a 3YO took Aidan a while to really get to the bottom of her she is top top class and will be a huge player in the middle distance Group One races in 2016 she has the world at her feet she is already a Group One winner at 2 & 3 and you can bank on her making that at 4 too. Her Breeders cup victory gave us all so much pleasure for so many reasons we spent the summer watching Ballydoyle Colts getting beaten up by Golden Horn who was an exceptional Derby winner But our girl chinned him in America. So So Looking forward to seeing her again she is an angel sent from heaven.  She will most probably reappear in the Mooresbridge Stakes ahead of a Tattersalls Gold Cup bid.

VERDICT

The cupboard was left bare in the older division in 2015 with Adelaide being sent to stud in Australia we certainly cant say the same about the 2016 Team its far superior in so many ways and I think there are plenty of Group Ones coming our way during the season from this team and that ball could start rolling on Saturday at Meydan. There are several on that list that could be anything this really could be one of the greatest seasons.

Thanks for reading