Churchill On Target For York

Aidan O'Brien has more or less given the green light for Churchill (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) to tackle the G1 Juddmonte International at York next week Aug 23. The 3-year-old colt was withdrawn from the G1 Qatar Sussex S. after heavy rain turned the ground soft at Goodwood and next week will see the dual Classic winner step up to ten furlongs for the first time. In addition to the increase in distance Churchill will also face a deep field which should include Barney Roy (GB) (Excelebration {Ire}) who won the G1 St James's Palace S. when Churchill was only fourth. “Churchill looks like he is going to go there. We are happy with him and we are looking forward to it,” O'Brien said.

“If he is going to go a mile and a quarter we need to try it now. We always thought it would be well within his compass.” The Ballydoyle trainer is sure to be well represented throughout the four day meeting and he could also run G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner Capri (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), somewhat of a forgotten horse among the 3-year-old crop. The colt is one of a number of O'Brien entries in the G2 Great Voltigeur, a race often used as a stepping stone to the G1 St Leger. “Capri is in it and Venice Beach is in it. That type of horse they are all there. The horse that won at Leopardstown the other night [Spanish Steps] is also in it. So we have three or four possibles for that,” the trainer added.