PartialLogo
Previews

Return to a mile not ruled out as Saxon Warrior goes down fighting

Saxon Warrior (left) is denied by Roaring Lion at Sandown, but it was a much better run from the Ballydoyle colt
Saxon Warrior (left) is denied by Roaring Lion at Sandown, but it was a much better run from the Ballydoyle coltCredit: Edward Whitaker

Saxon Warrior could be back at a mile before the end of the season hinted trainer Aidan O’Brien after the 2,000 Guineas winner went some way to restoring his lofty reputation with a battling second to old rival Roaring Lion in the Coral-Eclipse.

A sparkling winner of the Guineas over a mile on his first run of the season, Saxon Warrior had been below his brilliant best in two short-priced reverses in the English and Irish Derbys over half a mile further but, dropping back to the intermediate trip of 1m2f, the son of Deep Impact went down fighting just seven days after running a close third in the Curragh Classic.

“We were delighted with his run,” said O’Brien, who also saddled Cliffs Of Moher to finish third and Happily fifth.

He added: “Obviously it’s a very big ask after having a tough race in the Irish Derby but it was a massive run out of the horse and we really look forward to him now for the autumn.”


Coral-Eclipse result, replay and analysis


While not ruling out the Juddmonte International at York next month, a race which was mentioned in the immediate aftermath of his defeat at the Curragh before the surprise decision to target the Eclipse, O’Brien described the horse’s speed as his main attribute as he mulled dropping back to a mile.

He said: “We’ll take him home, freshen him up and give him a nice break and you’d have to be very happy with him. He has plenty of speed and travelled very well. I’d say he could go back [to a mile] anytime he wants but he didn’t surrender today.”

O'Brien's son Donnacha, renewing his association with Saxon Warrior in the saddle, felt interference from winner Roaring Lion cost him the race as he gave evidence in a televised stewards' inquiry and, while his father was not quite as strong in his verdict, O'Brien snr felt they had been disadvantaged.

The trainer said: "From the head-on it did look like they came together. It wasn’t an advantage, a big horse rolling at that time in the race, but he ran a very good race.”


Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com


Published on 7 July 2018inPreviews

Last updated 17:28, 7 July 2018

iconCopy