Iridessa surges to head of Oaks market as O'Brien wins first British Group 1
The achievements Joseph O'Brien has managed to cram into such a short training career would not look out of place for someone who has held a licence for many decades. Yet courtesy of Iridessa, the 25-year-old was celebrating another significant milestone with a first Group 1 success in Britain.
You only have to go back to 2015 to find O'Brien in the saddle for Group 1 winners, but the transition from big-race jockey to big-race trainer has been seamless.
A Moyglare, Melbourne Cup and Irish Derby have already been secured, with the bet365 Fillies' Mile the latest Group 1 prize captured.
Watch Iridessa's Newmarket victory
On an afternoon when the wind was whipping across the Rowley Mile to buffet the runners, Wayne Lordan sought cover behind the leaders on Iridessa before coming between favourite Hermosa and Pretty Pollyanna inside the final furlong to forge clear by a length and a half.
It was the filly's first win since her debut at Killarney in July, and O'Brien said: "We've always loved her. She ran well in a messy race at the Curragh and then was drawn on the inside at Leopardstown [finished third] so she was set an almost impossible task.
"Today was probably the first time since her debut that she had a fair crack at everything. She travelled very well through the race. Wayne gave her a fantastic ride."
Iridessa now heads the market with some firms for next season's Investec Oaks. She is available at odds between 14-1 and 20-1.
Take a look at Joseph O'Brien's training stats
While not ruling out the Guineas, O'Brien added: "Being by [Derby winner] Ruler Of The World she's probably more of an Oaks filly."
Second place went to Hermosa for Joseph's father Aidan, and he said: "She ran a lovely race and we were delighted. I'm delighted for Joseph."
Pretty Pollyanna rebounded from a disappointing effort in the Cheveley Park, cutting out the running and then staying on in third place under new partner Danny Tudhope.
Tim Gredley, who co-owns the filly with his father Bill, said: "We're very happy with that as she was last off the bridle and the jockey feels she'll get a mile next year. We'll point towards the 1,000 Guineas with maybe a prep over seven furlongs first."
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