‘He’s a lovely horse’ – Aidan O’Brien’s 25/1 Derby contender is one to watch in 2024

Aidan O’Brien is one of the finest trainers we’ve ever seen and he has another awesome arsenal of stars to go to battle with this year. We’ve picked out two dark horses and one star to follow from his recent stable tour that could be worth adding to your trackers for the 2024 Flat season. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing and take a look at our Aintree Grand National Festival page too.

Kyprios

This horse won the Ascot Gold Cup back in 2022 and followed that up with three successive Grade 1 victories in staying races, including a 20-length success in Longchamp’s Prix du Cadran. Injury problems impacted his performances last season but O’Brien now has him right where he wants him. The trainer said: “He’ll go to the Vintage Crop at Navan and on to the Saval Beg, and if everything is well then he’ll head to the Gold Cup at Ascot. We were delighted with his runs last season after he returned from his setbacks. We think we’re much happier with him now than we ever were.”

Content

A three-year-old daughter of Galileo, this filly really kicked on towards the back end of last season. An even stronger campaign could be on the cards this season and her trainer is looking forward to her. O’Brien said: “We had to slow her down and get her to relax. She won at the Curragh under Chris [Hayes] and came home very well when fourth at the Breeders’ Cup. She could be a very nice filly and you just have to take your time with her as she has plenty of speed and if you jump her out too handy, she’s inclined to do a little too much.”

Grosvenor Square

One three-year-old to watch over middle-distances this season is Grosvenor Square, who was an impressive winner of a Group 3 over 1m1f last time out. Epsom could await this horse and he certainly looks exciting. O’Brien added: “He’s a lovely horse who won his maiden at Galway before winning the Eyrefield Stakes. He’ll start in a Derby trial. We’re very happy with him and he’s done very well. I think he’ll have no problem on better ground, he’s not short on pace and isn’t a heavy-framed horse. He’s a good mover.”

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.