Joseph O’Brien – It’s A Big Week For The Yard

It’s a big week for the yard with Rekindling heading to York for the Dante on Thursday.

York
He’s in very good form and the Ballysax form was given a boost with the three horses behind him, finishing 1-2-3 in the Derrinstown Trial last weekend. We’ll have a better idea of where we stand after Thursday.

The Dante is traditionally one of the stronger trials and if he is thereabouts, we’ll head to Epsom afterwards.

The Derby has a very open look to it this year, there isn’t a standout colt at present. My father saddled three nice colts to fill the placings in the Chester Vase, while Cliffs Of Moher impressed me in the Dee Stakes.

Dad mentioned afterwards that he’s the colt that might improve the most from the trials. I noticed that BoyleSports made him Derby favourite afterwards and I think he’ll have a big say on June 3rd.

Killarney
It was great to saddle a double yesterday in Killarney. Le Richebourg put up a solid performance to win the maiden hurdle. It probably wasn’t the strongest of races but he couldn’t have done it any easier.

He’s a half-brother to Grands Cru and Gevrey Chambertin. They were smart types and if he has their ability then we should have plenty of fun with him.

Cornelius Sulla made all to win the bumper under a good ride from Sarah. He might go for a winners bumper in Sligo later this month but he’ll be hurdling soon.