So You Think ‘in good form’

SO You Think has returned unscathed to Ballydoyle following his victory in the Red Mills Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday evening.

The huge Australian import was made to work hard to claim his third Group One triumph for Aidan O’Brien, eventually fending off Snow Fairy by half a length.

So You Think’s well-being was confirmed on Sunday, with races like the Qipco Champion Stakes and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe now under consideration.

Anne-Marie O’Brien, the trainer’s wife, reported on Twitter: “So You Think seems to be in good form this morning following the Red Mills Champion Stakes at Leopardstown yesterday.”

Mrs O’Brien also revealed that the Irish Field St Leger at the Curragh on Saturday remains the next port of call for Gold Cup winner Fame And Glory.

Misty For Me, third in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday, could next be sighted in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp on Arc day.

* Connections of Hoof It are considering launching an appeal after he finished an unlucky third in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday.

The Mick Easterby-trained sprinter, jointly-owned by golfer Lee Westwood and his agent, Chubby Chandler, was a nose and a head behind the winner, Dream Ahead, and runner-up Bated Breath.

Easterby’s four-year-old was, however, forced left inside the final furlong by Dream Ahead, after which a protracted stewards’ inquiry was called.

The placings remained unaltered, but Easterby may still contest the decision.

He said: “I thought he was very unlucky, and we are considering appealing.

“There was definitely interference, and the stewards said they couldn’t be certain the interference affected the result.

“But when you are talking in terms of a head and a nose, it is very, very harsh.

“The stewards have been a bit timid, for me, but, on the other hand, I wouldn’t want to be a steward.”

Of the possibility of Hoof It running in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup, in which he would carry top weight of 10st 5lb, on Saturday week, Easterby added: “He is unlikely to run in Scotland.

He said: “I might take him to France (Prix de l’Abbaye), and then he might go to Ascot for the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.”