Curragh trainer Michael O'Callaghan believes his star sprinter, Twilight Jet, will go to Royal Ascot's Commonwealth Cup next month with "a live chance" after an impressive return to action at Naas on Sunday.
Twilight Jet turned the Group 3 Goffs Lacken Stakes into a rout as he made all under jockey Leigh Roche to beat the 6-5 favourite New York City by three lengths.
It earned last year's Cornwallis Stakes winner general 14-1 quotes for the Royal Ascot prize.
O’Callaghan is in pursuit of a maiden Group 1 career victory and is hopeful Twilight Jet can provide it.
“We always thought he was probably a Group 1 horse. He’s trained on now over the winter and proved that he justifies being classed as something that’s maybe a Group 1 horse this year,” he said.
“It was impressive and a relief as well. He missed six weeks in the spring, we just swam him for six weeks, and if this was three weeks ago he wouldn’t have been ready.
“He’s just come right and that makes it all the more impressive to me, knowing how his prep went during the spring.
“He always looked like one that could improve with time. He’s a fine big horse. He has a bit of class and has a lot of natural speed.
“He’s going to improve for the run today,” O’Callaghan added.
Meditate
Royal Ascot is also on the agenda for Aidan O'Brien's filly Meditate, who landed Sunday's other Group 3, the Coolmore Sprint, as a 2-1 joint favourite.
"We were hoping to come here and if everything went well, then have a look at the Albany with her. We think that's what we'll do. Obviously we'll talk to the lads but I think that's the route she'll be going," O'Brien said.
In other news, Willie Mullins is targeting Monday's Killarney card in some strength with 11 runners including a trio for the Grade 3 chase.
The perpetual Grade 1 "bridesmaid" Melon has been in unusually prolific form at this sort of level recently and Paul Townend has opted for him over both Easy Game and Cilaos Emery in the An Riocht Chase.
Rain will be a plus for Melon, although Easy Game also returned to winning form at Fairyhouse over Easter and could prove a value alternative.
The €50,000 feature is the Tote Killarney National, where Shady Operator will try to repeat his 2021 success in the race.
Enda Bolger's runner has been operating in cross-country races and failed to justify favouritism over the banks at Punchestown on his last start. Prior to that he couldn't land a blow behind Delta Work at Cheltenham.
However, he is back to a ‘Park’ contest now and is only 3lb higher in the ratings compared with when scoring easily in this contest last year.
La Prima Donna is likely to be a Mullins hotpot in a mares maiden hurdle while Shewearsitwell could also prove hard to beat getting weight in an earlier conditions event.
