Tipping cap to master O’Brien
Desert King gave the Ballydoyle maestro his first success in 1997 and Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Dylan Thomas (2006), Soldier Of Fortune (2007), Frozen Fire (2008), Fame And Glory (2009) and Cape Blanco brought his tally to eight successes in Ireland’s premier classic.
Three of his four charges for tomorrow’s race also took their place in the Epsom Derby, where Treasure Beach was just touched off by Pour Moi, Memphis Tennessee finished fourth after a gallant bid to steal the race was foiled, and only Seville disappointed when failing to cope with the track and fast ground.
All seek some degree of compensation here and jockey Colm O’Donoghue, who professed his delight at keeping the ride aboard Treasure Beach, is anticipating another bold show from the Chester Vase winner.
“I’m looking forward to Sunday and I’m delighted to be riding him again,” said the jockey.
“I was delighted with him in Epsom and he’s in great shape at the moment.
“He was a big price the last day, but the horses don’t know what price they are and he ran a blinder.
“He handled Epsom fine and I don’t think the Curragh will be any problem to him either.
“Aidan has a strong team, obviously. They are all bred to run in the race and they are representing their breeders as well as their owners, so they’re all entitled to take their chance.
“Hopefully they’ll all run big races.”
Seamie Heffernan won the race on Soldier Of Fortune in 2007 and Frozen Fire a year later, and takes over from Christophe Soumillon aboard Seville.
The Galileo colt was a disappointing 10th at Epsom but having chased home Carlton House in the Dante Stakes the time before, Heffernan remains optimistic.
“I’m really looking forward to riding him and I just hope he can put his poor run at Epsom behind him,” said Hefffernan.
“It was a good run in the Dante and if he can reproduce that, he should be there or thereabouts.
“All four of Aidan’s are good horses. It is just down to which horse takes his races and his training the best.
“They need to keep pulling out more from race to race and you need to let them run against each other and see which one is the best.
“I’m positive enough that I have a good ride in the race and I’m delighted to have a ride in the race for starters.
“The classics are the races you want to ride in and the races you want to win.”
