Outlook bright for Misty
He saddled the first two in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas and, for good measure, added three more winners as well.
Misty For Me beat Together in the classic and emphatically reversed their running in the Newmarket equivalent.
Together was runner-up behind Blue Bunting then, three parts of a length adrift, with Misty for Me beaten a total of 18 lengths in 11th spot.
But on a different day and a different track the story was utterly changed. This time the real Misty For Me, the one who was so impressive as a juvenile, revealed herself.
Together was always moving sweetly on the heels of the leaders and looked the most likely winner when driven to the front inside the furlong pole by Ryan Moore.
But the always prominent Misty For Me is made of stern stuff and buckled down best to outstay Together to the tune of three quarters of a length.
Speaking of the winner, O’Brien reported: “The plan was to come here and then to Epsom for the Oaks. The plan with Together is the Coronation at Ascot.
“Last season Misty For Me won on all sorts of ground and that’s why her performance at Newmarket left us puzzled. We were happy with her going there, but she never fired.
“Seamus (Heffernan) knows her well and gave her a great ride. Misty For Me just stayed on the stronger in the last half a furlong.
“We can’t be sure she will stay a mile and a half at Epsom, but when you get a mile at the Curragh you can be sure she will at least stay a mile and a quarter.”
Misty For Me was given a quote of 10-1 for the Oaks by Stan James and Ladbrokes, while Boylesports were more impressed and only offered 7’s.
It was the fourth occasion O’Brien has completed the 2000 and 1000 Guineas double and his overall score for the weekend at headquarters was six winners.
O’Brien’s import So You Think, who arrived from Australia with a massive reputation, made it two from two in this country when hardly breaking sweat in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup.
He moved through the contest supremely well for Ryan Moore, who eased him into the lead with less than three furlongs to go.
Moore only had to let out an inch of rein and So You Think lengthened away to beat Campanologist with any amount in hand.
“It is great to have him in this part of the world”, said O’Brien. “I had only heard of him before he came, but he is an incredible horse, a different creature to what we’ve seen before!
“Ryan was delighted, he was very happy and the Prince of Wales at Royal Ascot will be next.”
It is possible, of course, that Moore will not be available, but that doesn’t worry O’Brien. He said simply: “It was important for Ryan to have a sit on him.”
Boylesports tightened So You Think from 3-1 to 7-4 favourite for the King George at Ascot in high-summer and make him a 7-2 shot for the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October.
Ballydoyle’s Alexander Pope went off a solid favourite for the Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes and duly obliged under Colm O’Donoghue.
Produced to lead inside the furlong pole, the progressive son of Danehill Dancer forged clear to beat Moriarty by a snug length and three parts.
Commented O’Brien: “Looking at him there, he may well stay further. He travels really well through his races, but can be a bit idle when hitting the front.
“We will now consider either the King Edward at Royal Ascot, or else the French Derby (Chantilly).”
O’Brien began his day by saddling Reply to easily land the six furlongs Big Bad Bob EBF Maiden.
Backed from 4-1 to 100-30, Reply ran fast from the start and only had to be pushed out by Seamus Heffernan to win by four lengths.
O’Brien, who confirmed that Saturday’s Irish 2000 Guineas hero, Roderic O’Connor, was now “in the mix” for the Epsom Derby said: “This horse had a lovely run first time at Cork and came forward.
“We’re delighted with him and he is not short of speed, so can go five or six furlongs. He’s uncomplicated and obviously an Ascot-type horse.”
Jessica Harrington’s Bob Le Beau put up a fine performance to defy top weight in the United Arab Emirates Handicap.
Partnered with patience by Shane Foley, he came from off the pace to cut down Plum Sugar and score going away.
Said Harrington: “He’s a smashing horse. That’s the first time he has won over a mile and a half, which gives us a lot more options.
“He will go to Royal Ascot for something, probably a 12 furlongs handicap. Shane gets on brilliantly with him.”
The only setback of the afternoon for Aidan O’Brien came in the last, the Tipperary Crystal Maiden, with Apache proving a costly failure.
Backed as if defeat was out of the question, the 4-9 chance could only manage third behind Irish Review and Ansgar.
Kevin Manning powered Irish Review ahead in the straight to win by half a length. Apache found it difficult to find a clear passage for a couple of strides, but was extricated in plenty of time and now looks one to be very much avoided.
Brendan Duke had his first winner since returning home to train in Ireland when Roicead ran fast up the stands’ side for Willie Supple to take the Yas Handicap.
