O’Brien considering Thundering On for Pretty Polly
Joseph O'Brien finished second to his father Aidan in the leading trainer contest at Royal Ascot last week. Picture: Healy Racing
Joseph O’Brien’s hugely impressive Oaks winner Thundering On could be set for a relatively quick reappearance in the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.
The Frankel filly sprinted nearly four lengths clear of Legacy Link in the closing stages of the Epsom Classic creating a huge impression.
Not surprisingly O’Brien feels dropping back to 10 furlongs this weekend would prove no issue and she would be seeking to emulate her dam, Thundering Nights, who won the Pretty Polly in 2021.
“Thundering On might come back in the Pretty Polly, she seems to have pulled up very well from Epsom,” O’Brien said on Racing TV’s Luck On Sunday.
O’Brien is also set to run his Derby third James J Braddock in the Irish equivalent 24 hours later, who got fractious before the Classic only to run with great credit.
“I think he’s come on well from Epsom. He obviously didn’t behave brilliantly on the day but at least he ran very well,” said O’Brien.
“I think the occasion and the race has brought him forward.
“He’s an exciting runner in what looks like it’s going to be a competitive Irish Derby.” O’Brien was speaking off the back of an incredible week at Royal Ascot where he saddled five winners, including St Leger possible Limestone in the Queen’s Vase.
“I suppose he has a number of options, internationally and in Europe,” said O’Brien of future plans.
“He’s a progressive stayer so we have to discuss it with the ownership group but he’s an obvious candidate for a Leger programme.
“I don’t know what route that would be, we could go back to the UK for a prep or stay in Ireland. He could also jump into something like the Grand Prix de Paris which could be an interesting option for him.
“He has a habit of winning photo finishes so as long as that lasts and he keeps progressing I think he can develop into a high level Group horse.”
