“We’re excited about him” – Has Aidan O’Brien “Found” his next superstar?

Battleground Aidan O'Brien

Mark Boylan of the Racing Post spoke to the Ballydoyle trainer ahead of a potentially huge season. Make sure you check out the Aidan O’Brien Stable Tour which is available to people who have subscribed to the Member’s Club.

Looking at the ante-post markets, it is quite evident that Aidan has an incredible string of horses for this coming season. The yard are not known for starting the season fast but he should have the big guns ready for the Guineas.

“We’ll go gently but so far you’d have to be happy,” says O’Brien. “We have a lot of three-year-olds to get started and with all the restrictions we’re not really sure what we can do in terms of going over and back.”

He added: “They’ll turn in up in most of the trials and some of them are going to improve greatly from their runs. There are horses there over all kinds of trips so it will be interesting to see how they get on.”


Aidan brimming with confidence

Upon reading the Aidan O’Brien Stable Tour at the Racing Post, I was struck by his comments when referring to Battleground. Usually Aidan is very on the fence when speaking about his runners and doesn’t like to give too much away.

When he says that he is very excited about one, then you must stand up and take note. The three-year-old War Front colt is the son of Found and is the current 9-2 market leader for the 2000 Guineas.

Aidan O’Brien stated: ‘He’s in good order and has done very well. He’s getting ready for the Guineas, but whether he’ll run at Newmarket or not isn’t decided yet. St Mark’s Basilica and Wembley are on the same path as him.

“It’s possible we’ll go to the Curragh or France with Battleground. We think he’s a miler. He’s a strong traveller who can quicken.

“I’d say there’s a lot of his mum in him – he’s very like Found to look at and he’s not short of pace. We’re excited about him.”


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