O'Brien eyes Alleged Stakes for dual Classic hero Capri's return

Aidan O’Brien is keeping a close eye on the weather as he considers whether last year’s Irish Derby and St Leger hero Capri should begin his season in the Group 3 Alleged Stakes at Naas this Sunday.

The Group 2 Moorsebridge Stakes in May had originally been mooted for Investec Coronation Cup-bound Capri, but O'Brien may turn the dual Classic winner out quicker than expected, provided conditions are suitable this weekend.

O’Brien is responsible for four of the ten entries for the Toals.com-backed Alleged Stakes, with Derby second Cliffs Of Moher, Yucatan, absent since last May, and Winter Derby disappointment Clear Skies his other entries.

'Capri galloped at Naas last week and we were very happy with him'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Speaking on Tuesday O’Brien said: “Capri galloped at Naas last week and we were very happy with him. Ideally we'd love to start some of the horses there, but the ground would be a concern at the moment.

"We’ll just have to see what happens with the weather in the next couple of days before we make a decision.”

Ralph Beckett has entered last year’s winner Air Pilot, while Jim Bolger could call upon Turret Rocks and Tribal Beat.

Click here to view the Alleged Stakes card

Tom Ryan, Naas racecourse manager, said on Tuesday that the track would be doing everything in its power to deal with the unseasonably wet conditions.

“We're currently heavy and it'll be a given that things will be testing on Sunday," he said. "We've moved the track across ten yards from last weekend's meeting, meaning there will be fresh ground.

Breeders' Cup winner Declarationofpeace could run in the Listed Cork Stakes at Navan on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann

“We should be able to handle more rain between now and Sunday but it's certainly as wet as we'd like to see it. It's too early to say we're doubtful about racing going ahead or anything like that. We'll know a lot more on Thursday.”

Navan officials are in a similar predicament in advance of their Saturday card, which features the Listed Cork Stakes.

Click here to view the Listed Cork Stakes at Navan on Saturday

Track manager Donal Curtis said on Tuesday: “We're hopeful racing will go ahead but we'll have an inspection on Thursday.

“The sun has been shining all day here, which will help, but there are still some parts of the track that are waterlogged. We'll know more later in the week. If it was a National Hunt card I'd say we'd definitely be racing.”

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