Beresford star Crypto Force 'a real next year horse - he'll be in the Derby'

Michael O’Callaghan has never had a runner in the Derby, but that may not be the case for long as Crypto Force has emerged as a very smart prospect for next year's race for the Kildare trainer.

The son of Time Test had not been seen since disappointing in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, but bounced back from a 98-day absence to take the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday by an impressive two and a quarter lengths.

Crypto Force was bought by Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing at the Goffs London Sale for £900,000 following his debut win when defeating current Derby favourite Auguste Rodin, and O’Callaghan is excited for what next season will bring for the talented colt.

He said: "He was very good. It’s a big result for us in many ways. Royal Ascot was a big disappointment and it added a lot of pressure to get him right the next time after paying so much for him.

"We backed off him and gave him all the time he needed and we picked this weekend. It was either the Curragh or the Royal Lodge and after watching the Royal Lodge he probably would’ve won that too.

"He still has plenty of improvement in him. Colin [Keane, jockey] came in off him and said he probably would’ve won easier on better ground. He has a very good turn of foot."

Crypto Force after winning the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

His Beresford win over Adelaide River denied Aidan O’Brien a 22nd win in the race and was cut to 12-1 (from 33) for the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster next month with Paddy Power.

O’Callaghan added: "Saturday was a big day for him and he’s a real next year horse. He’s in the Vertem Futurity and we’ll see how he goes.

"Everything has to be right. If the ground was soft or heavy we'd leave him, but if it came up that the ground wasn’t too soft we might let him take his chance.

"Auguste Rodin is the favourite but Crypto Force beat him well in his maiden and I wouldn’t mind taking him on again."

Crypto Force: 12-1 for the Vertem Futurity Trophy following his Saturday successCredit: Patrick McCann

Saturday’s win was O’Callaghan’s first Group 2 success and the trainer is eyeing either the Newmarket or Irish 2,000 Guineas with Crypto Force, before a potential tilt at the Epsom Classic or the Irish Derby.

He said: "He’ll be better going further in time next year. He’s in both Guineas and he’ll be put in the Derby at Epsom as he will get a mile and a half.

"He has that sort of agile action for good ground and he’ll have to do a lot right to take his chance, but he will definitely get the entry."

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