Doncaster Group 1 gives Aidan O'Brien another chance to play with his fascinating juvenile jigsaw puzzle
I'm slightly dreading a brilliant performance from Diego Velazquez in the Kameko Futurity Stakes at Doncaster on Saturday, odd-sounding words that reflect an internal conflict in my racing brain.
The idea of an unbeaten juvenile doing his stuff in a defining end-of-season Group 1 race – assuming of course that Doncaster survives the weather – is exhilarating and enthralling. I would love to see the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, a Group 2 winner over a mile at Leopardstown on Irish Champion Stakes day, emerge with flying colours from his probable clash with rivals such as Ancient Wisdom and Dancing Gemini.
However, an extravagant display would prompt mixed feelings. I reckon I have already seen two exceptional O'Brien-trained juvenile colts this season in City Of Troy and Henry Longfellow, either of whom look capable of completing a Guineas/Derby double. Can we cope with a third? Is it realistic?
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Published on inAlan Sweetman
Last updated
- Racing getting tailed off in Ireland's popularity stakes - few sports fans are aware of Epsom and still fewer will care
- Leopardstown's Derby Trial has fallen on hard times - but could Los Angeles be the one to revive its tradition?
- City Of Troy proves history repeats itself - his place in the annals hinges on Aidan O'Brien finding the route to redemption
- Healthy variety in early stages of Flat season - and proof that lower-quality races belong on big racedays
- Cheltenham headlines belong to the winners but festival a reminder that there is honour in defeat
- Racing getting tailed off in Ireland's popularity stakes - few sports fans are aware of Epsom and still fewer will care
- Leopardstown's Derby Trial has fallen on hard times - but could Los Angeles be the one to revive its tradition?
- City Of Troy proves history repeats itself - his place in the annals hinges on Aidan O'Brien finding the route to redemption
- Healthy variety in early stages of Flat season - and proof that lower-quality races belong on big racedays
- Cheltenham headlines belong to the winners but festival a reminder that there is honour in defeat