Air Force Blue leads Aidan O’Brien big guns in Curragh workout

Leading Classic contenders Air Force Blue, Hit It A Bomb and Minding were among those to work after racing at the Curragh as Aidan O’Brien put 50 horses through their paces.

Air Force Blue heads the betting for the Qipco 2000 Guineas after completing a hat-trick of Group One successes as a two-year-old in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

Fillies’ Mile heroine Minding is likewise at the top of the market for the 1000 Guineas, while Hit It A Bomb looks set for the French 2000 Guineas having finished his juvenile season with victory at the Breeders’ Cup.

O’Brien, who sent his runners out in five groups, said: “They probably went a bit quicker this year, the ground was a bit better.

"It’s probably the first year we’ve come here and the ground has been a bit drier. Obviously it’s still testing, but not as deep.

“Seamus (Heffernan) was very happy with Air Force Blue. He cruised up the middle. It’s five weeks to the Guineas and we’ll probably go straight there. He was very happy with where we’re at.

“Hit It A Bomb might go to the French Guineas if the other horse goes to Newmarket. He might go for a trial there if he’s going. He’s done very well and he’s carrying plenty (of condition) - a trial would help him.

“General Macarthur, Port Douglas, Idaho, Beacon Rock will all get middle distances and we’ll look at trials for them. Johannes Vermeer has pace, but might start off in a Derby trial. Landofhopeandglory and Shogun will definitely stay.”

He went on: “Somehow looks a nice filly, she’s a maiden. How High The Moon will probably go for a Guineas trial, Coolmore looks like she’ll stay. Dean Gallagher said she’s lazy but came home very well.

“Even Song will probably go for the mile Guineas trial, Alice Springs a seven-furlong Guineas trial. Ballydoyle will stick to fast ground and could go for the French Guineas if the other one (Minding) goes for the English one.

“Seamus seemed very happy with Minding, we’ll look to the English Guineas but she wouldn’t want it like concrete.

“Cook Islands, Pat (Smullen) liked him, he won at Navan. Kingfisher will start off in the stayers’ trials and so will Bondi Beach. Father Christmas will probably end up at Ascot in a mile-and-a-half race.”