Ballydoyle: Week in Review

Chester’s May meeting last week saw a fruitful couple of days for the yard. On Wednesday improving filly Magic Wand (Galileo) made all the running to win the Listed Cheshire Oaks thus entering the picture for Epsom.

On Thursday Rostropovich quickened up nicely to land the Listed Dee Stakes and will now be aimed at the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club. Just over an hour later Highland Reel’s full brother Idaho (Galileo) ran out an impressive winner of the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes. "We came here with a view to going back to the Coronation and King George but Ryan was very happy with how well he stayed and we could look at another plan if needed," said his trainer. "It leaves us with more options."

On Saturday at the Curragh, Land Force (No Nay Never) was a comfortable winner of the 2-year-old Maiden becoming the first European winner for his sire. “Donnacha was very happy with him,” reported O’Brien. “He’s a hardy horse, and is going to take racing, so he could come back here for the Marble Hill.” Later on the card Bye Bye Baby (Galileo) looked another very progressive filly when staying on well to win the Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes and will likely go to Epsom for the Oaks.

In the Derby Trials at Lingfield and Leopardstown, Kew Gardens (Galileo), Delano Roosevelt (Galileo) and The Pentagon (Galileo) all ran solid races and all three may join 2,000 Guineas winner Saxon Warrior in the Epsom Derby.

On Sunday at the newly-opened ParisLongchamp, last year’s Champion 2-Year-Old US Navy Flag was bowling along nicely in front until stumbling on the bend entering the straight. He has the option of going to the Curragh for the Irish 2,000 Guineas or to Royal Ascot.

Monday saw Ballydoyle host the media as part of the build up to the Investec Derby where Aidan enthused about Triple Crown hopeful Saxon Warrior (pictured) and outlined plans for some of his other stable stars. Read more here.