Leopardstown winners cut for Newmarket glory

O’Brien said: “We are delighted with her as she hadn’t really come yet, you can see it in her coat. She can go to one of the Guineas and the step up in trip shouldn’t be a problem to her.”

Earlier in the afternoon, O’Brien’s Hans Andersen made light work of the Ballylinch Stud “Red Rocks” 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes.

The Frankel colt won a maiden last term and was then a good second to stablemate Aesop’s Fables in the Group Two Futurity Stakes at the Curragh in August.

He was soundly beaten by Al Riffa next time out in the Group One National Stakes, but was nevertheless the 8/13 favourite when making his seasonal debut and stepped down in grade.

Patiently ridden by Moore until two furlongs from home, he swept clear of his four rivals to prevail by two and a half lengths when encouraged by little more than hands and heels.

O’Brien was pleased with the performance, particularly considering the heavy ground, and is considering the Irish or French Guineas, plus the French Derby for his Classic targets.

🏇 Hans Andersen resumes winning ways in the Ballylinch Stud "Red Rocks" 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes for Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien 👏@BallylinchStud pic.twitter.com/FK9PO12Lqe

— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) April 2, 2023

He said: “I’m delighted with him. He could be an Irish Guineas horse or a French Derby horse and that’s what we are looking at.

“He had experience from last year. He quickened up well and is a very good mover. He’s obviously a good ground horse, he moves very long and low. That’s not his ground but he got through it.

“It’s never ideal (running on heavy ground) but we always run if we can at all. It’s never going to suit every horse all the time, but at least he got started. All that could happen is that he might not win.

“He could look at the French Guineas or the Irish Guineas on the way to the French Derby.”

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