Abbey on Beresford trail

Impressive debut winner St Nicholas Abbey is likely to head Aidan O’Brien’s assault on the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

The Montjeu colt was sent off a warm order for his racecourse debut at the track just over a month ago and he readily pulled four lengths clear of his nearest pursuer.

The Ballydoyle trainer has been delighted with his subsequent progress and is now ready to step him up to Group company for the first time.

“The plan is to go to the Beresford with him at the Curragh on Sunday and he’s in good form,” O’Brien told At The Races.

“He had a little bit of time after his last run and everything seems fine with him.

“He’s a very good moving son of Montjeu and we’re very happy with him so far.”

O’Brien has seven of the 19 horses remaining at the latest entry stage with Banyan Tree, Fencing Master, Fighting Brave, Lastofthemohicans and Mikhail Glinka also possibles for the one mile contest.

Jim Bolger has left in National Stakes runner-up Chabal, as well as Maverick Man and Reiteration.

Other interesting contenders from the home team include Elusive Award and Montecchio, while the two British contenders are Godolphin’s Passion For Gold and the Mark Johnston-trained Layali Al Andalus.