O'Brien eyes another Group One success

NEWS : BREAKING THE Group One world record in 2008 might no longer be a runner for Aidan O'Brien but the champion trainer looks like pursuing Wednesday's top-flight contest in France with a vengeance.

O'Brien has six of the 13 remaining entries for the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud including the impressive Navan winner Fame And Glory, who already figures in ante-post betting for next year's Epsom Derby.

The Montjeu colt is joined in the entry list by last week's Eyrefield Stakes third Aristocrat as well as Hail Caeser and the Dundalk maiden winner Age Of Aquarius.

Other Irish interest in Europe's final Group One prize of the year could come in the shape of the Tracey Collins-trained filly Turin Lady who won at Listed level at Fairyhouse last month.

The €250,000 Criterium de Saint-Cloud is run over a mile and a quarter and is also a likely target for Zafisio who landed the Criterium International at the track last month.

Zafisio is owned by the controversial English trainer Paul Blockley who won his first Group One prize in France just days after being warned off by the British Horseracing Authority.

O'Brien is currently on the 22 winner mark for Group One prizes this year, three shy of Bobby Frankel's record of 25.

However, he does have a good record in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud having won it back to back with Ballingarry (2001) and Alberto Giacometti (2002.)

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times