Powerscourt targeted for Breeders' Classic

Aidan O’Brien is likely to have a crack at the Breeders’ Cup Classic with Powerscourt when the meeting takes place at Lone Star Park in Texas later this month.

The four-year-old could face a tough task in the October 30 contest, though, as his rivals may include last year’s winner Pleasantly Perfect and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Bago.

Powerscourt was ruled out of last weekend’s Longchamp showpiece with lameness, but O’Brien told the Racing Post: “He is back cantering. When we step up his work we’ll have to see how much the hold up might have set him back, but at this stage he is a possible for the Breeders’ Cup.

“We will just have to wait and see. He could run in the Turf, but he will probably also be entered for the Classic.”

Powerscourt’s last five runs have come at 10 furlongs, the distance of the Classic. He was a close third in the Irish Champion Stakes on his latest start, after being demoted from first place in the Arlington Million for interference.

O’Brien is also considering running St Leger third Tycoon in the Breeders’ Cup Turf after he finished behind Kitten’s Joy, the new favourite for that race, in a Grade One contest at Belmont last Saturday.

O’Brien added that Yesterday, fourth in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp on Sunday, is to be aimed at the Filly And Mare Turf, a race in which she ran third behind Islington at Santa Anita a year ago.

“We were very happy with Yesterday’s run at Longchamp and at this stage the Breeders Cup is the plan for her,” he said.