O'Brien skips Newbury

Aidan O'Brien yesterday revealed he would be giving tomorrow's important Newbury meeting a miss.

He said he would not be having any runners at all at the Berkshire venue, despite having entries in two of the principal races.

Meanwhile, O'Brien confirmed that Rothmans Royals St Leger winner Milan was in fine fettle for the Arc at Longchamp following his impressive Doncaster victory.

He also had news of Galileo, who was beaten by Godolphin star Fantastic Light in a titanic race for the Ireland The Food Island Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

The horse looks set to bypass the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in favour of the Breeders' Cup Classic, where he could take on Fantastic Light again.

"The plan is the same as after Leopardstown. We'll see what happens but it's so far, so good," said O'Brien.

The next couple of days will be crucial for the future of another of the stable's stars, Mediterranean, who is still in a serious condition following injuries to his off-fore during the Rothmans Royals St Leger.

The three-year-old is being treated by vets who are desperately trying to save the Tote Ebor winner for stud.

"It will be another two or three days before we know whether he can be saved for stud duties. He has serious tendon, knee and ligament injuries," said O'Brien.

With a current rating of 41 Kilbride King has clearly been skilfully exploited by John Kiely, as not only is he eligible for every low-grade handicap in the country but he has so far managed through his career to reach the first three in virtually 50 per cent of all his starts.

Horses with his sort of rating are usually notoriously inconsistent but Kilbride King is very much the exception that proves the rule.

At Gowran Park this afternoon he will be looking for his fourth win over 1m 1f when he turns out in the in the first division of the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap. Dry ground suits him well and he can turn the tables on Impulsif, who availed of a slow start on the part of Kilbride King to beat him at Tralee.

Eddie Lynam is climbing up the ranks of flat race trainers and he could win the first two events on the eight-race card. Peace With Ishowed decent pace when third in a five-furlong maiden at the Curragh won by Serov, while Fingal Nights (2.30) came out best from a duel with Minamala at Roscommon. His style of finishing will enhance confidence in his ability to get the mile.

Twelve months ago the Ballylinch Stud Fillies Maiden was won by Imagine, who went on to win two Classics for Aidan O'Brien. . The stable's Venus de Milo was balloted out and this could simplify the task of Moyglare Stud Farm's Stylish Icon.

The presence of Columba in the field for Young Irelands Maiden Hurdle will ensure a fair price about Up The Mountain.

While Columba made his exit at the second hurdle at Dundalk, Up The Mountain was in a challenging position when he tumbled at the last, leaving Misniuil to profit from his blunder and the fact that Sum Leader slipped up on the flat.