O'Brien looks to continue winning run with Flat converts

Thursday’s Galway Hurdle-winning trainer Joseph O'Brien has a solid chance of continuing the fine momentum of his yard with victory in the opening maiden hurdle (2.30) courtesy of Big Ben or The Major General.

The pair were decent on the Flat, with The Major General winning twice for Aidan O’Brien and actually managing to get to within a half a length of Ulysses in a Group 3 contest at Goodwood a year ago.

The Galileo gelding’s first hurdles start did not go well at Tipperary last month and Big Ben looks the stable’s number one despite the fact he is racing off the back of a long absence.

The winner of a Curragh maiden for Aidan O’Brien, Big Ben made a pleasing start to life over hurdles when second to stablemate Landofhopeandglory in a Fairyhouse juvenile maiden hurdle in November, but hasn’t been seen since.

O’Brien said: “Big Ben has a long absence to overcome but ran a nice race on his hurdling debut. He has since been gelded, but he had a little setback, which is why we haven't got him back to the track until now.

“The Major General was disappointing at Tipperary last month but that was just his first start over hurdles and hopefully the step back in trip will help.”

Battle of the O’Briens

Sebastiano Ricci and Bachelor represent Joseph O’Brien in the 7f nursery (4.15) but the trainer is hopeful rather than confident both colts can handle the ground.

He said: “Bachelor disappointed us a little after his first run at the Curragh and I am a little bit worried about the ground.

“It is much the same story with Sebastiano Ricci. However, he ran well two starts back at the Curragh so maybe he can handle it better.”

Aidan O’Brien could provide the stiffest opposition with Mount Wellington, and he said of the colt tackling this trip for the first time: “He ran well at Naas last time and we think he'll handle the step up in trip.”

Classic clues on show?

Ballydoyle have been successful in the 1m½f maiden (3.40) for the past two seasons and won this race 12 months ago with this year’s Irish Derby hero Capri.

Capri (left) winning the Galway maiden last yearCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Whether a future Classic winner can emerge this year remains to be seen, but Aidan O’Brien has strong claims of continuing his fine record with Amedeo Modigliani, a fast-finishing third on debut behind Gustav Klimt at the Curragh last month.

O’Brien said: “He had a lovely run first time out at the Curragh and we're looking forward to seeing him run again.”

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