AIDAN O’BRIEN’S list of Epsom Derby contenders may be gathering strength, but the champion trainer has insisted that 2,000 Guineas flop St Nicholas Abbey remains his “number one contender” for blue riband glory.
Last year’s European champion juvenile could finish only sixth at Newmarket 10 days ago, but remains a general 4 to 1 favourite for Epsom despite that surprise classic defeat.
O’Brien outlined a list of other possible Epsom candidates, which includes Thursday’s Dante hope Cape Blanco, the Derrinstown winner Midas Touch, the Group One-winning juvenile Jan Vermeer, as well as Viscount Nelson and At First Sight.
However, he insisted: “St Nicholas Abbey has always been our number one candidate and nothing has changed about that. He has got to step up, but I think it is in there. It was circumstances that beat him at Newmarket.
“We have never had a horse here who will be going a mile and a half that has this fella’s kind of speed. Our enthusiasm for him hasn’t dimmed in any way. He has started back in work for Epsom . . . if we can get him there right on the day we will be very excited.”
It’s unlikely O’Brien will be represented at this weekend’s French Guineas, but the following weekend’s Irish 2,000 Guineas could see the exciting Steinbeck joined by the Criterium-International winner Jan Vermeer.
“If he is to go to Epsom I would like to get a run into Jan Vermeer first, maybe in the Irish Guineas,” O’Brien said, before outlining possible Oaks plans for Awe Inspiring, Cabaret and Remember When.
But former ante-post favourite You’ll Be Mine is now a doubt.
Last year’s Derby runner-up Fame And Glory may return to Epsom for the Coronation Cup, provided he comes through Sunday week’s Tattersalls Gold Cup unscathed.
Killarney’s novice chase this evening features last week’s Ballinrobe winner Warcraft. Michael Hourigan’s horse ran out a four-length winner from Some Target in a fine display which will make him a major threat to the likes of Woodbine Willie and Rocco’s Hall.
Edward O’Grady’s Grade Three-winning hurdler Judge Roy Bean can continue the trainer’s good run of form in the opening Beginners Chase.
