Recent years have represented a transitional period for the Aidan O’Brien operation, with much being made of the waning influence of the late Galileo on the Coolmore Breeding powerhouse. How would O’Brien and “the lads” cope in the absence of their flag-bearing stallion?
Pretty well, is the answer. Thus far, 2024 has yielded 65 wins at Listed level or above, including 16 Group/Grade 1 victories. Already holding the record for the most top-level wins in history, O’Brien is pulling ever further clear of the chasing pack.
The next stop on the O’Brien international tour sees a talented squad head to Longchamp for the ultimate test of Arc weekend, with the master handler holding entries in four Group class contests over the two days.
Qatar Prix Chaudenay, Group 2 – 12:23, Saturday, 5th October
Not too many international Group races are missing from the O’Brien CV, but he has yet to land this 1m7f event. The horse who may bid to change that in 2024 is one of a diminishing number of Galileo colts.
A half-brother to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Danedream, Illinois hasn’t quite hit the heights over 1m4f but boasts rock-solid form in stamina-sapping events. Successful in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, his latest effort saw him go down by just a neck to stablemate Jan Brueghel in the St. Leger Stakes. Having finished second to Sosie (currently vying for Arc favouritism) on his most recent trip to France, he boasts strong claims as he steps back down into Group 2 company.
Qatar Prix Du Cadran, Group 1 – 1:33, Saturday, 5th October
Whilst Illinois heads into the Prix Chaudenay with hope, O’Brien’s representative in the headline event for the stayers is expected to return to County Tipperary clutching a second Prix Du Cadran crown. We are, of course, referring to the current king of the staying hill – the mighty Kyprios.
Also sired by Galileo, the six-year-old has returned from injury in majestic form. Five starts in 2024 have yielded five wins, including the Ascot Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup, and Irish St. Leger. The last time he won those three events in the same year, he rounded off his campaign with a 20l annihilation of the field in this event. Only four remain amongst the opposition, but if Kyprios arrives in top form, they may be playing for places.
Qatar Prix de Royallieu, Group 1 – 4:00, Saturday, 5th October
O’Brien came closest to landing this 1m6f contest when saddling Delphinia to finish second in 2019. He has three remaining amongst the entries this year – all of whom will need a big career best to come home in front.
Port Fairy hinted that she may be up to Group 1 level when staying on to claim the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes back in June, only to perform abysmally in the Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks. Hopes hinge on this step up in trip sparking an improvement. With “only” a Group 3 win to her name, Grateful has more to find on paper, but ran well to finish third over just in excess of this trip in the Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes. Lily Hart makes up the trio, having scored over this course and distance in the Prix Joubert last time. She was allowed her own way in front that day but may have more to offer on her first crack at Group 1 level.
Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – 3:20, Sunday, 6th October
Last but far from least, the big one. Held over the 1m4f trip, the Arc is viewed as the greatest mile-and-a-half event on the planet, and it’s hard to disagree. O’Brien rarely misses an opportunity to take a shot at the riches and prestige on offer and has four remaining in the 18-runner field.
Of that quartet, Luxembourg is deemed an unlikely runner, whilst Auguste Rodin will only take his place in the lineup on good to soft or better. With the going currently described as very soft, it seems more likely that the enigmatic star will head east for the Japan Cup. All of which leaves Los Angeles and Continuous to make their bid for glory
Whilst no match for City Of Troy in the Epsom Derby, Los Angeles has since advertised his qualities with wins in the Irish Derby and the Great Voltigeur Stakes over this trip. Pitched in against Economics and Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes last time, he ran a stormer to finish fourth over an inadequate 1m2f. That should tee him up nicely for this, and he boasts a perfect one from one record in France, having claimed the Criterium de Saint-Cloud during his juvenile campaign.
One year older than Los Angeles, Continuous also boasts a Classic win on his record, having stayed on powerfully to claim the 2023 St. Leger. The son of Japanese star Heart’s Cry makes his second Arc appearance following his fifth-placed effort last year. Considering the ground was quicker than ideal that day, he ran a fine race to go down by 3½l to the sensational Ace Impact and could be a big player at a very nice price if the ground remains as it is.