ASCOT’S ST JAMES’S Palace Stakes looks like being Mastercrafstman’s next Group One target after his resounding Classic success in Saturday’s Boylesports Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
Aidan O’Brien yesterday gave an upbeat report on his latest Group One hero. “He seems to be fine, very good. We will have to sit down and talk it through during the week but I would imagine Ascot will be next,” the champion trainer said.
Last season’s European champion two-year-old exhibited the benefit of his first start of the season in the English Guineas and powered through the heavy ground to beat Rayeni by four and a half lengths under Johnny Murtagh. The jockey was impressed with his mount who will attempt to follow Black Minnaloushe (2001), Rock Of Gibraltar (2002) and Henrythenavigator to complete the Curragh-Ascot double for Ballydoyle. “He has what every good horse needs – heart and a will to win,” said Murtagh. John Oxx reported that Rayeni he will be kept to a mile and seven-furlong races.
Willie Mullins looks the trainer to follow in Ballinrobe this evening with Fionnegas, a Curragh winner on his last start, a interesting newcomer to jumping in the maiden hurdle.
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