Bracelet appears the latest likely Classic candidate off the Ballydoyle production line after making a winning return in the Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial.Aidan O’Brien’s Montjeu filly was unable to play a significant role in a Naas Listed event on her debut last June, but signed off her juvenile campaign with a smart Leopardstown victory to keep her in the reckoning for this year’s major prizes.
She looked to have plenty on her plate to make a winning comeback in what appeared a strong Group Three event on paper, but won in fine style in the hands of the trainer’s son, Joseph and a trip to Newmarket could be next.
Dermot Weld’s Balansiya was all the rage as the 9/10 favourite following a spectacular winning debut over the course and distance in early November, but while she travelled well, 7/1 shot Bracelet wore her down in the last of seven furlongs to take the prize by a length.
Betfred cut O’Brien’s charge to 16/1 from 25/1 for the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 4th. The trainer said: “She did it nicely and she’s a filly we think will stay well in time. We’re delighted with her and all things being well, she might go to the Guineas (at Newmarket). I’ll speak to the boys (owners).”
As well as being in the Guineas picture, Bracelet is Betfred’s 8/1 favourite for the Investec Oaks. However, when asked whether his filly would stay the mile and a half she would face at Epsom, O’Brien said: “We always thought she would, but Joseph said he wasn’t sure there, as she showed a lot of speed. That’s why we’re thinking about the Guineas.”
Despite Balansiya’s reverse it was another fine afternoon for Weld and stable jockey Pat Smullen, with the formidable combination following up last weekend’s opening day double at the Curragh with another two winners Go For Goal and Fascinating Rock.
