Can O'Brien make it five? Key trainer insight for Criterium de Saint-Cloud

Criterium de Saint-Cloud (Group 1) | 2yo | 1m2f | ATR

This was for a period one of Aidan O'Brien's most reliable sources of Group 1 success for two-year-olds, with the prize heading back to Ballydoyle four times between 2001 and 2010.

With four entries in the 2017 race that never was – a protest led to the meeting being abandoned – O'Brien might well have added to his haul 12 months ago.

He relies this year on Norway and Sydney Opera House, who somewhat reversed expectations when finishing first and fifth in the Zetland Stakes over this trip a fortnight ago.

Seamie Heffernan has been aboard Norway – a brother to Derby winner Ruler Of The World – on all four starts and retains the partnership, while Mickael Barzalona takes over on Sydney Opera House, who disappointed in the Zetland having previously chased home Mohawk in the Group 2 Royal Lodge.

Sydney Opera House was the more fancied of the O'Brien runners ahead of the ZetlandCredit: Patrick McCann

"Norway won well over the trip at Newmarket last time, so we know he stays," said O'Brien. "We've been very happy with him since.

"Sydney Opera House was fifth in the same Newmarket race when things didn't work out for him. He seems in good form and should stay the trip."

Watson hoping Nate proves Great

There are not many two-year-olds ready to run at Royal Ascot who still perform to a high level come the end of October.

Nate The Great came within a neck of landing the Chesham over seven furlongs at the royal meeting and has put in a string of consistent performances since, most recently finishing third to Norway in the Zetland.

"He's had a very solid year and since Royal Ascot we've felt he probably needed ten furlongs," said trainer Archie Watson.

"He ran a good race in the Zetland, beaten only a length and a quarter, and I think the field here is of a similar level so I'm more than happy for him to take his chance."

Fillies out to buck the trend

You have to go back to the German-trained Paita in 2004 for the last filly to land what is a fairly extreme test of stamina at this time of year.

But from a relatively small number of runners there have been no fewer than four placed fillies in the last six editions and there is certainly talent in both those that represent their sex this time.

John Gosden sends Shambolic, who won her first two starts and then ran a decent race in the context of this company when finishing a never-nearer fourth to Iridessa in the Fillies' Mile.

The race just got away from Shambolic at a crucial stage at Newmarket and the extra two furlongs ought to help.

Nicolas Clement was responsible for one of those fillies to be placed in recent years – Brocottes was second in 2011 – and saddles Wonderment, a running-on third behind Line Of Duty in the Prix de Conde last time.

"She ran very well in the trial so we said we’d try," said Clement. "I don't know how she’ll match up to the foreign runners but I think she's among the best French horses in the race and I'm pleased the ground has remained better than is often the case at the end of the year."

What the others say

Saeed Bin Suroor, trainer of Shoot For Gold
He's shown some class in his work and we'd prefer some ease in the ground, although good going will be fine for him. He's ready to go again and the step up to ten furlongs should suit.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Fox Tal
I’m looking forward to him over this trip and I think he's shown a decent level of ability. He ran pretty well at Salisbury last time, where he just got a bit disorganised. I think it was a decent performance and hopefully he'll be in the mix.

Fox Tal (noseband) finished close up to Arctic Sound and Line Of Duty on debut at SandownCredit: Mark Cranham

Ludovic Gadbin, trainer of Alabaa
This is a big challenge because he's going up the ladder pretty quickly. But he won his last two pretty decisively and we feel it's in interesting gamble to take. He's in good form and has improved since his last start.

Mauricio Delcher-Sanchez, trainer of El Ingrato
We tested him in the prep race, the Prix de Conde, and he showed himself to be competitive. There wasn’t a great deal between them and this looks a good race to have a go at. The owner has the mare back in foal to Toronado. The horse is well and, while winning might be tough, we’re hopeful of a place.

Freddy Head, trainer of Anecdotic
He won well last time and stays well. He's still developing and still has plenty of improvement ahead but I think he's coming along all the time so we’ll give it a try. I’m pleased the ground will be towards good rather than heavy.

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