Aidan O'Brien: Sir Dragonet is in a lovely place mentally and physically

6.45 Curragh
Royal Whip Stakes | 1m2f | Group 3 | 3yo | RTV

There was a moment about two furlongs from home in the Investec Derby when the Aidan O'Brien-trained Sir Dragonet looked as if he might be the next big thing. He coasted into contention under Ryan Moore, trading at a low of 1.66 on the exchanges, and it appeared his unbeaten record might stretch to three from three on the biggest stage of all.

Perhaps inexperience caught him out, or stamina, but he faded into fifth and has not been seen since.

The son of Camelot returns from a 76-day absence and drops to 1m2f for the first time as he seeks to return to winning ways, and the ratings suggest he will be very hard to beat.

O'Brien said: "Sir Dragonet has had a break and we’re very happy with him. We're looking to run in either the Irish Champion Stakes or the Prix Niel after the Curragh."

The trainer added: "He’ll improve on whatever he does, but I think he’s in a lovely place mentally and physically at the minute. He’s had his break and isn’t feeling any stress. Sometimes they can get a bit anxious if they don’t get a break between running in the Classics and taking on the older horses."

Joseph O'Brien could provide the biggest resistance to Sir Dragonet as he runs the improving Buckhurst, who won the Group 3 Dubai Duty Free International Stakes over this course and distance on his most recent start.

Buckhurst (Wayne Lordan) wins the Group 3 International Stakes at the Curragh in JuneCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The Owning Hill-based trainer said: "Buckhurst is in very good shape and we know he likes the course and distance, so we would be very hopeful of a big run."

Leo De Fury surrendered his unbeaten record at Goodwood this month when only eighth of nine behind Nayef Road in the Gordon Stakes, but Jessica Harrington thought he ran better than his finishing position suggested.

"Unfortunately, Aidan's horse [Sir Dragonet] looks nailed on but Leo De Fury is in good form and I thought he didn't run badly at Goodwood. He got no luck there as it was very tight up the home straight. He is better than the bare form of that and should run well."

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