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O’Brien unconcerned about ground for progressive Paddington

3 minute read

Paddington continues to answer his every call and O’Brien has little concerns about the ground despite significant rainfall at Goodwood.

PADDINGTON.
PADDINGTON. Picture: PA

The son of Siyouni has soon developed into one of the stars of the Flat season having progressed from handicap success earlier this season to a multiple Group 1 winner.

Aidan O'Brien's colt took the 2000 Guineas in an authoritative style before going on to follow up in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The step up to ten furlongs proved no issue when he battled on bravely to beat Emily Upjohn in the Eclipse last time and connections will be hoping he can get the better of dual Group 1 scorer Inspiral now dropping back to the mile.

O'Brien said: "He's got winning form on very soft ground, so I wouldn't be as concerned for him as I might have been for other horses. He's got form on all types of ground.

"Ryan [Moore] always thought he had lots of pace and coming back to a mile won't be a problem. We were delighted with him in the Eclipse, and we always had the Sussex Stakes as part of his programme.

On the contrast, main market rival Inspiral, does hold some ground concerns.

Chris Richardson, racing manager for owners Cheveley Park said: "At this point in time, all being well, we'll run. The ground is changing, but this has been the plan and she is on course to go to Goodwood,"

"Obviously she has a weight for age difference, but it is a logical step really. We wanted to give her plenty of time after Royal Ascot.

"It was a good performance on her first run. She proved last year she runs well fresh, and she followed it up.

"We obviously bypassed Newmarket [Falmouth] in preference for Goodwood. France was in the mix, but those races are too close together now and they have had plenty of rain over there."

The ground, though, is a cause for concern.

He added: "Heavy ground wouldn't suit her. We have taken the chance and more rain would suit Paddington probably more perhaps than us.

"She handles soft ground. She won the Marois on soft ground, and it was easy in the Falmouth when she was second as well. If you are not in, you can't win.

"Paddington is a serious horse. He is a bit of a superstar, but we're fresh and he's had a few more races than us. The weight allowance might make a difference and she's in good form."

Richard Hannon pulled out Chindit on Wednesday morning whilst market support has come for Aldaary, who is now as short as 7/1 in places and will have no issues with current ground conditions.


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