O’Brien odds on to train at least 26 Group One winners this season

AIDAN O’Brien is just a 4-6 chance to chalk up a record-breaking 26 Group or Grade One winners this season after a flying start to the campaign.

Henrythenavigator, Duke Of Marmalade, Soldier Of Fortune, Haradasun, Halfway To Heaven, Yeats, Frozen Fire and last Saturday’s Eclipse hero Mount Nelson have already helped the Ballydoyle team secure 12 wins at the highest level in 2008.

And bookmakers William Hill make him an odds-on chance to smash through American trainer Bobby Frankel’s record 25 top-level winners.

O’Brien sent out 23 Group One winners in 2001 but Hills expect him to top that target this term.

Spokesman Tony Kenny said: “The only word to describe Aidan is ’genius’.

“Both he and Coolmore have taken horse racing to another level, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a good few takers for our price.”