Gutsy Valorem gives O’Brien belated Group One success
The Ballydoyle handler has seen several of his high profile horses, most notably One Cool Cat, fail to come up with the goods when sent across the Irish Sea. But Ad Valorem made no mistake with a workmanlike performance in the £180,000 feature.
Jamie Spencer had the son of Danzig smartly into his stride and he settled him just off the pace, which was set by Prince Charming tracked by the winner’s stable companion Russian Blue.
Al Valorem (9-2) moved up to challenge going into the Dip and quickly getting on top, he had plenty in reserve to hold the late charge of Rebuttal (9-1) by three-quarters of a length.
Iceman, who was sent off the 9-4 favourite on the strength of his good second in the Champagne Stakes last time, finished strongly after being momentarily hampered to take third another two and a half lengths away.
O’Brien, who has won the prestigious contest in the past with Minardi and Johannesburg, was delighted with Ad Valorem’s effort.
When asked if he was relieved to get this Group One winner in the board, he said: “It’s always a relief to have a big winner. We are doing our best all the time and when you do your best it doesn’t always happen but we keep trying.
“He’s a lovely horse but everything has been up in the air with our horses this year. He hasn’t been asked to do a lot and he gives the impression when he’s won that he has plenty left. He was holding them well at the line today.”
Spencer has always held Ad Valorem in high regard and O’Brien continued: “Jamie picked him which was a good sign because the other horse was in good form and he wanted this horse.
“He really travelled well and quickened well for Jamie.”
Ad Valorem is not likely to run again this season.
“He’s in the Dewhurst but he’s had three quick races and it’s very possible he won’t run again this year,” O’Brien added.
The victory put Ad Valorem in the 2000 Guineas picture and his price was cut accordingly.
Paddy Power were longest at 20-1, Victor Chandler, William Hill and Ladbrokes went 16-1 while Coral were most impressed putting him on 14-1.
O’Brien is hopeful the colt will get the mile in the Classic back on the Rowley Mile course next spring.
He said: “Who knows whether he will get the mile next year but he was wasn’t stopping at the line today and was well on top at the finish. He’s got a lot of natural speed.”
Ad Valorem has now won all his three starts and Spencer, who has been on board on each occasion, said: “He is lazy at home - you cannot get him to do anything, saving himself for the racecourse.
“He was very impressive when he won at the Curragh last time out - he had plenty left.
“Today he dug deep when he had to.
“I would say he stays well enough and quicker conditions would see him in a better light.”
