Champion trainer John O’Brien has continued where he left off in 2023 and won the first feature event of the season two weeks ago when he saddled Uncle Rog to win the Chief Commander Classic.
As we get set for day three of the Arima Race Club 2024 season, O’Brien spoke to Guardian Media about the chances of his five horses entered in the Champagne Stakes.
O’Brien said, “The Champagne Stakes is a good race and I think we have a good chance of winning it. All my horses are going well and with Hello World and In The Headlines racing last week they will be doing a good piece of work next Sunday. “
He continued, “Hello World the 2023 Gold Cup winner, raced away by 9 3/4 lengths in commanding fashion last time out and he is improving. He could prove difficult to beat in the Champagne Stakes. He drew clear in the final 200-metre event last time out but will be racing on the turf for the first time. He has worked well on the turf and I believe that he will handle the surface. He was impressive last time out and he will go very well in the Champagne Stakes over 1,600 metres on March 30.”
As is customary, O’Brien will be seeking to land another 1-2 finish in this big one and has In The Headlines, Crown Prince, Princess Aruna and the speedy Super Bird.
O’Brien said, “These are all good horses and In The Headlines will no doubt be better this time around. She was the Derby winner and will no doubt run a big race. Crown Prince is a very good horse but he is not as good on the turf as he is on the main track. However, he will make his presence felt and will run a big race.”
The horse, which all are talking about, is Princess Aruna. This horse lost her unbeaten tag on the turf course when she finished behind Super Bird in the ‘Dash’ on January 27.
O’Brien said, “She was given the time to catch herself and is going well at training. This is her trip and she will be finishing well. She must have a say in this event.”
The final horse in O’Brien’s quintet is the speedy Super Bird which was disappointing last time out. That race should be forgotten.
O’Brien said, “Super Bird loves to race freely and get his own way in front. He is a very good horse when allowed to dictate his pace. He could surprise them in the Champagne.”
Last race day, O’Brien was the day’s leading trainer with two winners.