Awesome Aidan out to complete full set of Group races in Ireland

6.50 Fairyhouse
Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Brownstown Stakes | Gr 3 | Fillies & mares |7f | ATR

Aidan O'Brien is just one small step away from yet another magnificent milestone – that of having won every one of Ireland's 69 Group races.

The only exception to the Ballydoyle magician's full house is tonight's Fairyhouse feature, in which victory for either Asking or Music Box would place an indelible tick in that final box.

"I wasn't aware of that," said O'Brien after being informed of the remarkable stat. "What we have always tried to do is pick the race that best suits each horse, rather than the other way around, and that seems to work for us."

Asking and Music Box finished first and eighth in a 7f premier handicap at the Curragh at the weekend, and the trainer said: "She ran a lovely race to take sixth in the Sandringham and Ana [O'Brien, daughter] felt the drop back to 7f might suit her.

"I was delighted with her performance on Sunday and she seems to have come out of the race well."

Of Music Box, the O'Brien said: "Ryan [Moore] was happy with her too and she was not beaten all that far. We hope she'll have more to offer."

There is a strong British representation, with Ralph Beckett sending over the 107-rated Golden Stunner, who was denied by a head in the Listed Ganton Stakes at York on her most recent start, while Roger Varian is out to take another big Irish prize with Realtra.

The Dermot Weld-trained Raymonda is already a course and distance winner, and Elusive Beauty arrives on the back of a Listed success at Carlisle last week, so it looks a hot Group 3.

O'Brien's recent Brownstown record

2016: no runner
2015: no runner
2014: Sparrow (fifth)
2013: Snow Queen (third), Hanky Panky (sixth)
2012: no race
2011: no runner
2010: Queen Of Troy (eighth)
2009: Heart Shaped (fifth)