Monogram may tip scales for Joseph O'Brien

Monogram looks to have the raw talent required to take this significant step up in class in his stride.

Monogram and Dylan Browne McMonagle (centre) win the Coolmore Stud St Mark's Basilica Irish EBF Maiden from Salt Lake (left). Pic: Healy Racing

Sun, 13 Sep, 2026 - 04:52

Darren Norris

On a Sunday where the three O’Briens may strike Group 1 gold, Joseph can garner the bulk of headlines with Juddmonte colt Monogram a strong fancy for the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes on day two of the Irish Champions Festival at the Curragh.

A son of Kingman, Monogram was sent off the 4-6 favourite to make a winning debut over course and distance last month but, having dwelt at the start, victory looked unlikely.

However, when he was asked to engage top gear, Monogram quickly made rapid gains and while the winning margin was just a short head, there was a real swagger about the performance.

This assignment will obviously demand more but he looks to have the raw talent required to take this significant step up in class in his stride. He can take this at the expense of Ballydoyle pair Giant Sequoia and Haffner.

Stablemate Thundering On can get back on track in the Group 2 Moyglare ''Jewels'' Blandford Stakes.

A visually stunning winner of the Oaks at Epsom in June, the Frankel filly disappointed when fourth in the Pretty Polly Stakes later in the month, though the fact the vet reported her to be coughing post-race suggests she perhaps wasn’t firing on all cylinders that day.

She hasn’t run since but this looks a good starting point for what could be a productive autumn campaign.

The Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales Stakes looks a penalty kick for Star Of State and the Carriganóg Racing filly will be priced accordingly.

Beaten by Livenka on debut at Fairyhouse, the State Of Rest filly bolted up at Leopardstown second time out before getting within a half-length of Libertango in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York last time out.

If she runs anywhere near that level on Sunday, she should deliver.

Unlike his brother and his father, Donnacha O’Brien is not mobhanded for this weekend but one of his two runners, Comanche Brave, has strong claims in the BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes, the second Group 1 on the card.

The son of Wootton Bassett produced a career-best effort to win the July Cup last time out and dropping back to the minimum trip shouldn’t be a problem for this speedy sort.

Aidan O’Brien should win the other two Group 1 contests on the card.

Sun Goddess has won four of her five starts this season and looks almost impossible to oppose in the Moyglare Stud Stakes while similar sentiments apply to Ascot Gold Cup hero Scandinavia in the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger.

At more appealing odds, Amadeus Mozart can strike in the finale, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Northfields Handicap.

Curragh (Sunday)

1.45 Bear On The Run

2.15 Star Of State

2.50 Sun Goddess

3.25 Comanche Brave

4.00 Monogram (Nap)

4.35 Scandinavia

5.10 Thundering On (NB)

5.45 Amadeus Mozart

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