Massive step up in class for Kingsbarns
The young pilot was on board when the son of Galileo made a striking debut at Navan 17 days ago, winning by seven lengths.
O’Brien’s father Aidan had five other possibles for the race but relies on Kingsbarns, who was supplemented at a cost of £17,500 on Monday.
Many are drawing comparisons between Kingsbarns and three-time Classic scorer Camelot, winner of the Group One contest last year on the back of just one run.
Camelot made his debut in July though, and O’Brien jnr is well aware Kingsbarns will be making a swift return.
“He was quite green on his debut at Navan but he still won very easily in the end,” he said.
“This is a massive step up from a maiden at Navan to a Group One.
“If he was just to run a very nice race we’d be pleased.
“It usually takes a nice horse to win this race. He’s coming back quite quick from just having his first run, so if he was to run well we’d be happy.”
There are three serious Irish-trained contenders on Town Moor, with O’Brien’s former mentor Jim Bolger saddling Trading Leather.
Bolger’s Zip Top chased home Camelot 12 months ago and he admits this race has more strength in depth.
Trading Leather sprang to prominence for next year’s Derby by winning the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket on Future Champions Day.
“He’s very well. It’s an attractive Group One and as he came out of the Newmarket race very well, he deserves a shot at a race like this,” said Bolger.
“Kingsbarns won his maiden at Navan well, but they are all dangers.”
Another Irish raider is Andy Oliver’s First Cornerstone, purchased by American-based Team Valor after winning a Listed race on his second start.
Oliver then supplemented the Hurricane Run colt for the Futurity Stakes and while that race may not have had as much strength in depth as in previous years, he was impressive in winning by a length and a half.
First Cornerstone was due to run in the Beresford Stakes at the end of September, but he met with a little setback and Oliver is a little concerned he may not be quite at his peak.
“There are some progressive horses in there, the sort you would expect from a race which has a history of producing stars of the future. It’s competitive, but we’ve nothing to fear and his form is as good as any of them,” said Oliver.
“I only have two concerns. It is the first time he has travelled away from home, so we have to hope he settles in well.
“Secondly, I wanted to give him another run in the Beresford Stakes, but it didn’t work out.
“I’m still happy with him and ground isn’t an issue. He has run on heavy ground, but I think good ground could suit him even better.”
Mark Johnston has never won the final Group One of the British season but Steeler holds a good chance in this year's event.
The Raven’s Pass colt finished a close second to Breeders’ Cup-bound Dundonnell in the Acomb Stakes, before winning a Listed race at Goodwood and landing the Royal Lodge at Newmarket.
Johnston expects him to shine over middle distances next season and is unconcerned about the ground.
“He’s been progressing with racing and we were very pleased with his win last time,” said Johnston.
“It looks like all the main protagonists are lining up, so it’s a more competitive race than it has been in recent years.
Kingsbarns was not the only horse to be supplemented for the race with Richard Hannon’s Van Der Neer also added to the field.
Unbeaten in two races at Yarmouth and Leicester, champion jockey-elect Richard Hughes jumped off him last time and encouraged owner Saeed Manana to stump up the fee needed to go for Group One glory.
