Curragh Gallops

A lot of AP O'Briens horses worked after racing at the Curragh today and to my eye Black Bear Island was by far the most impressive. Hes going to be aimed at the English Derby and he'll most likely end up being the number one come the day if how he worked today was anything to go by. Freemantle also worked very well and hes one to keep an eye out for. Just seen on the racing-post site they said Rip Van Winkle finished "close-up" in his gallop, he didnt finish in the first six from where I was standing.

His group was won by an un-raced horse called Stately Home and he should have no trouble winning a maiden. I wouldnt read too much into Rip Van Winkle's gallop as O'Brien said he had a set back a while ago, but I still cant see him being the number one for the Guineas unless he comes on a tonne between now and then.

Mastercraftsman worked OK but nothing amazing and his price should stay the same, Westphalia actually finished in front of him and could turn out to be the dark horse in the Guineas. Noticed that Poet won one of the gallops so unless he comes out and wins a couple of races soon, you cant really take the gallops too seriously, it was more of a day out type of thing with the ground very sticky in places.

Septimus also worked today and word after was that he'll be going for the Coronation Stakes, thats a fair drop back in trip. Frozen Fire is also said to be dropping back in trip and Johnny rode Age Of Aquarius in one of the lots which is always a good sign. I suppose its wait and see time but it seems from today a good few of them will need the first run, as is the case with most of AP's these days.