O’Brien team in great shape
The likes of Racing Post Trophy winner St Nicholas Abbey, Dewhurst one-two Beethoven and Fencing Master and stalwarts Fame And Glory and Rip Van Winkle were all in action.
“Sam (Curling) was very happy with St Nicholas Abbey, but thought in an ideal world he would prefer much better ground,” said O’Brien.
“Johnny (Murtagh) was happy with Age Of Aquarius but thought that he ran a bit fresh and keen. He was also happy with Cape Blanco but felt he can be a bit lazy in the soft ground.
“Seamus (Heffernan) was very happy with Fame And Glory and Colm (O’Donoghue) was also happy with Fencing Master who again can be very lazy in soft ground.
“Joseph (O’Brien) felt that Mikhail Glinka has progressed since last year and was also happy with Beethoven, but felt that he doesn’t like soft ground which we knew from last year.
“Brian (O’Neill) was very happy with Alfred Nobel. Midas Touch also went well but Davy (McCabe) thought he would prefer much better ground.
“Stephen (Crawford) and Gary (Hutchinson) led Kaname (Tsuge) on Rip Van Winkle just a gentle canter from the mile start. Kaname was very happy with him.
“They all had a very relaxing morning and all seem bright and happy in themselves,” he said.
Meanwhile, Reiteration will step back up in class after getting off the mark at the Curragh on Sunday.
The Jim Bolger-trained colt held Captainofthefleet by a neck in a mile maiden after being well behind St Nicholas Abbey in the Beresford Stakes at the Kildare venue in September.
Bolger expects more improvement from the son of Vindication, and will next consider a Listed race or a Classic trial.
“I think he’ll do well. There could be a good day in him,” said the Coolcullen handler.
“He’ll probably go for a Listed race now, and maybe even a Guineas trial. He’s a horse that could improve as the season goes on.
“I’d say he’ll stay 10 furlongs.”
