O'Brien enters 40 in Dewhurst
Newmarket’s Darley Dewhurst Stakes on October 16 has received 139 entries, 26 more than last season.
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, successful in the seven-furlong event three years ago courtesy of Rock Of Gibraltar, has 40 of the entries, headed by Oratorio and Russian Blue, second and third respectively behind Damson in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh earlier this month.
Other interesting O’Brien entries are Joyce, the maiden scorer Chinese Dragon, the unraced Indigo Cat – who cost $2.6m (€2.1m) as a yearling – and Tiger Dance, a full-brother to Giant’s Causeway.
Godolphin have entered 13 juveniles including the Dubai Millennium colt Dubawi, who won the Group Three Superlative Stakes at Newmarket in July, as well as Salisbury scorer Perfectperformance and Council Member, Oude and Belenus.
Mark Johnston has entered current 2000 Guineas favourite Shamardal, who was very impressive when winning the Group Two Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes at Goodwood in July.
Other notables include Montgomery’s Arch and Mystical Land, first and second in the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, the unbeaten Leo’s Lucky Star and the Roberto Brogi-trained Slapper, an entry from Italy.
Michael Prosser, clerk of the course at Newmarket, said: “It is tremendous to see such a good entry for the Darley Dewhurst Stakes, both in terms of quality and quantity. The contest often throws up a star of the future and forms an important part of Champions’ Day.”
