Breeders’ Cup Mile Rock of Gibraltar’s target
Speculation has raged for weeks as to whether Aidan O’Brien might allow the son of Danehill contest the Classic, over 10 furlongs on dirt, rather than the far more suitable Mile on grass.
He still wasn’t committed to either race yesterday saying: “We have until 3pm today to make up our minds.”
O’Brien already has Hawk Wing for the Classic and Landseer for the Mile and indicated much would depend on how those two horses took the journey to Chicago.
But the Ballydoyle handler did accept it would be a major test for Rock Of Gibraltar to tackle the Classic.
“He’s been racing on grass over a mile all year and it would be a big ask to run him over an extra two furlongs on dirt,” said O’Brien.
It is also well to note Rock Of Gibraltar is set to retire to Coolmore Stud at the end of the season. If he was going to stand in America it would be important for him to win on dirt.
Rock Of Gibraltar has won a record seven Group One’s in a row and is unbeaten in five races this season.
His latest effort saw him beat the high class pair, Banks Hill and Gossamer, in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp last month.
“He’s in good form, but has had a long, hard season and there has to come a day,” said O’Brien.
Certain media commentators have indicated Hawk Wing may be a “burster”, but O’Brien moved quickly to dispel such a notion: “He has never burst in his life, I don’t know where that has come from. For some reason people think he may have burst because he has been unlucky enough to come up against horses like High Chaparral and Rock Of Gibraltar.
“He has a dirt pedigree and it is quite possible he will improve on the dirt. The plan is that he will stay in training next year.”
Dual Derby winner High Chaparral, third behind Marienbard in the ‘Arc at Longchamp, following a break due to coughing, is on schedule for the mile and a half Breeders’ Cup Turf.
O’Brien said: “He is in good shape and we think he has gone the right way since the ‘Arc.”
Among the Ballydoyle troops flying out from Shannon yesterday were four two year old’s, including Tomahawk.
All could yet line up for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile over nine furlongs. Regarding Tomahawk, who was beaten into second spot by Tout Seul in the Dewhurst at Newmarket on Saturday, O’Brien said: “We will see how he takes the trip before making a decision about him.”
Also on the flight were Hold That Tiger, Van Nistelrooy and Marino Marini. The last named, however, is first reserve for the Juveniule and one will have to come out, it could be Tomahawk, for him to get in.
It is within the rules for horses to race on lasix in America and the Ballydoyle handler indicated his charges would be availing of that.
