Ol’ Man River could well be the name that most punters are shouting for up Newmarket’s straight next May, or around Tattenham Corner next June, after Aidan O’Brien’s colt enhanced his Classic prospects with a decisive victory in the Beresford Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday.
A £2.2m purchase as a yearling, the Montjeu colt stepped up to Group Two company with the minimum of fuss, just four weeks after making a successful debut over the course and distance.
The 1-2 favourite coasted to the front under Joseph O’Brien and was not extended to win easily by two and three-quarter lengths from Clonard Street – leaving O’Brien with an embarrassment of riches for 2015, including Ol’ Man River, a son of dual Classic winner Finsceal Beo, who was generally cut to 10-1 (from 16-1) for the 2,000 Guineas and the same price (from 14-1) for the 2015 Derby.
The victory made it a treble on the card for the trainer and jockey after wins for Qualify and The Great War, while it was the 14th time O’Brien has saddled the winner of the Beresford, equalling the late Vincent O’Brien’s tally.
“He travelled and learned a lot, as today was on the round course,” Ol’ Man River’s trainer said. “He was able to sit in and relax and he has a lot of speed. It was a nice experience and I couldn’t be happier.
“He’s in the Racing Post Trophy and the Dewhurst. He has all the entries, but he doesn’t have to run again this year as he has the two runs and knows enough now going into next year. He could run again this year, but we won’t force him. This time of year horses can change, so we’ll see what happens.
“He loves fast ground and is a beautiful mover. He’s by Montjeu, but a horse with that pace will always handle nice ground. He’s exciting. He might get a mile and a quarter, but you couldn’t be sure he’ll get a mile and a half. He’s a hardy horse, which is a good sign. He moved forward lovely from his maiden and he learned plenty today.”
O’Brien now dominates the ante-post market for Epsom. His John F Kennedy is quoted at 7-1 favourite by most bookmakers. Highland Reel (12-1) is also housed at Ballydoyle – while waiting in the wings is Sir Isaac Newton (25-1), an unraced Galileo colt who cost £2.8m and is entered in everything.
Qualify (a 9-4 winner) could be bound for the Dubai Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket on 17 October after taking the Group Three Weld Park Stakes in good style, also at The Curragh.
“We think she’s a very smart filly,” O’Brien said. “She just wanted to be pulled back as she’s a filly with a lot of speed,” said the Ballydoyle handler. “We have been riding her wrong. You can put her to sleep and she has a massive stride and can get there quickly. She’s a Fastnet Rock and loves that ground, and could go for the Fillies’ Mile if the ground stays good.”
The Great War (10-11 favourite) may be supplemented for the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp next Sunday after bouncing back to winning form in good style.