O’Brien wants quick ground for Gleneagles

The upcoming Qipco Irish Champion Stakes gives Aidan O’Brien with much pressure to deal with as he will be entitled to equip Gleneagles with the much needed gears and in a better condition that would enable the double Guineas champion victors in the event.

It was disappointing to see Gleneagles fail to take part in the Qatar Sussex Stakes that was held at Goodwood as well as the Juddmonte International held at York due to a rough surface and more concern which worries O’Brien is the fact that Gleneagles may be affected greatly by the weather in the upcoming Leopardstown event.

The trainer claimed at Galway that it would be a big call to make provided the bad weather at Leopardstown but will make a final decision on Saturday morning before the event kicks off. This comes as Gleneagles missed the Sunday’s Prix du Moulin held at Longchamp. However, his teammates War Envoy, Sir Isaac Newton as well as Cougar Mountain took part. Nonetheless, the trainer claims that despite the French rules, he is viable to take part in an n optional race.

The trainer claimed that Gleneagles would not take part in two events that would be held simultaneously and that the idea he reached at was to stick at Leopardstown event rather than opting for the French race.

The Leopardstown racing course was declared suitable for the event on Wednesday but reports from the weatherman claimed that come the event day, the area will experience a heavy downfall which is claimed to be around 20-30mm.

O’Brien claimed that it would not fair for the 1m2f horse that is known for his fast splinting but would consider their option in either to risk him on the weather with both better and good results expected from him. The bad weather may slow him down and would not perform as expected. If Gleneagles who is 4-1 favorite with Golden Horn 15-8 and Free Eagle 11-4 above him misses, his place would be accorded to the Irish Champion Found.

The trainer claimed that Found would replace Gleneagles if the weatherman proves to be right. He added that it will also be a big blow if the ground would be wet for Air Force Blue who is scheduled to take place in the National Stakes held in Curragh this Sunday.

This article is published in: Horse Racing Betting
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