3 minute read
Curragh targets for Newmarket aces
Aidan O’Brien is targeting Guineas doubles for both Magna Grecia and Hermosa following their victories at Newmarket over the weekend.
Magna Grecia ran out an impressive winner of the Qipco 2000 Guineas on Saturday – providing his trainer with a 10th victory in the colts’ Classic.
The following afternoon Hermosa played a starring role in the 1000 Guineas and while O’Brien initially suggested the Investec Oaks at Epsom could be on her agenda, he is now leaning towards sticking at a mile in the Irish 1,000 Guineas later this month.
Speaking at the Curragh on Monday, O’Brien said: “I was delighted with Magna Grecia and the plan is to come back here (for the Irish 2,000 Guineas).
“I initially thought about the Oaks for Hermosa, but it’s possible that she could come back here too for the Irish 1,000 Guineas.”
A trip to Royal Ascot is on the cards for Ten Sovereigns after his fifth-placed finish behind Magna Grecia over the Rowley Mile.
O’Brien added: “Ten Sovereigns was on the side with no pace and Ryan (Moore) had to be more forward than he would have liked as he knew the other side was ahead of him.
“He still ran a very good race and the plan is to go back in trip with him, probably for the Commonwealth Cup.”
It promises to be another big week for the Ballydoyle maestro with key Classic trials taking place at Chester, Lingfield and Leopardstown.
Considering some of his plans, O’Brien said: “Japan is entered at Lingfield (Derby trial), but I’m half-thinking of running him in Leopardstown (Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial) with Anthony Van Dyck and Broome.
“Japan and Anthony Van Dyck had an easy week about three weeks ago so we don’t want to go too far away, but we need to get a run into them and they will improve a lot from what they do.
“Mount Everest had a little setback last week which means he’s going to have a month off. That means he will be out of the Derby picture, so we will have him back at the back-end of the season.
“We have three runners in the Chester Vase on Wednesday, and on Thursday we have Mohawk and Circus Maximus for the Dee Stakes.
“Never No More and Coral Beach could be our two for the French Guineas.”
