O’Brien Charts Plans for Classic Hopefuls

Aidan O'Brien outlined plans after several members of his team galloped Saturday, chief among them G1 Futurity Trophy winner Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), undefeated in three starts at two, and MGSW Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who was last seen finishing second in the G1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National last September. Campaigned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg, the pair are likely to reappear in the Apr. 30 G1 Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

“Luxembourg was in the first lot and everything went very well,” said O'Brien. “He did everything very nicely and he finished off nicely and Ryan [Moore] seemed very happy with him.”

Of his stablemate, he added, “I was very happy as well with Point Lonsdale. Seamus [Heffernan] said he relaxed and quickened nicely and you'd have to be very happy.”

“You'd have to see how they come out of it, but we're thinking of aiming both of them at Newmarket.”

Also included among the first grouping of gallopers were Star Of India (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Aikhal (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

“I thought they could be Irish Guineas horses,” he said. “They won't go to Leopardstown for the Trial now, because it comes too quick. The two could go for the [May 21 G1] Irish Guineas or they could go to France for the [May 15 G1] French Guineas like [2021 Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner] St Mark's Basilica and step up to a mile and a quarter after that.”

Heading the fillies Saturday was undefeated G1 Juddmonte Cheveley Park S. winner Tenebrism (Caravaggio).

“Tenebrism worked very well. Ryan was very happy with her. They went a strong seven [furlongs] and she came home very well. She will go straight for the [1000] Guineas [May 1].”

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French Guineas Target For Miss Amulet

Trainer Ken Condon is looking ahead to next spring’s G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches with Miss Amulet (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire}) after Doreen Tabor’s G2 Lowther S. winner ran a fine race in third in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.

“The mile was always a question mark, but to my eyes she got it well, and we were delighted with her,” said Condon. “She’s had a busy season, but she’s retained her form well, and there is plenty to look forward to next year.

“I think her main aim early on will be the French Guineas–we think that might suit her better. I know all the Guineas are run over a mile, but some tracks are stiffer than others. The winner the other night [Aunt Pearl] is obviously very good–she set sensible fractions, and we knew then it would be difficult to come from behind, but we were delighted with how our filly finished off and put a bit of daylight between the fourth, who won the Prix Morny [Campanelle].

“She’s been on the go since the first week racing resumed. She’s been to England twice–that was her eighth run, so credit to her, she has exceeded all expectations. We know if she doesn’t stay a mile we have the option of coming back in trip, but I had a quick exchange with Michael Tabor after the race and I think the French Guineas is where we are going.”

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