Thunder Moon will love firm ground, says Joseph
JOSEPH O’Brien is one trainer who does not want the current dry spell to end as he believes it will aid Thunder Moon’s chances in the Qipco 2000 Guineas.
An impressive winner of the National Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend on just his second start – where recent Craven victor Master Of The Seas was fourth – the Zoffany colt finished third in the Dewhurst on his final outing.
While not disgraced behind St Mark’s Basilica and Wembley, both trained by his father Aidan, the former champion jockey feels faster ground could help turn the tables.
“He’s wintered very well. We put him away after the Dewhurst, but I was very pleased with that run. The ground went a bit slow on us and we probably weren’t drawn in the perfect position, but it was a very good run,” O’Brien told Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast.
“The plan all winter has been to go straight to the Guineas and not have a prep. He’s in good shape. His National Stakes win was a very good performance. It was a messy race, but he got himself out of trouble and showed a fantastic turn of foot.
“Turn of foot is his main attribute, he’d love a bit of firm ground as he’s a strong traveller with a turn of foot, which he showed a couple of times last season. It would be important to us that the ground is good or better.”
Thunder Moon is currently fourthfavourite for the Newmarket Classic, with the two who beat him in the Dewhurst ahead in the betting.
“I don’t know if he’s classier (than the two who beat him in the Dewhurst), but I probably feel that we have the quickest horse,” said O’Brien. “His pedigree suggests he’ll stay further, I’m quite confident about the mile, but after that I’m not sure how much further he’d go as he’s quite a pacey horse.”
Irish Grand National winner Freewheelin Dylan is on course for the Punchestown Festival.
Dermot McLoughlin’s nine-yearold caused a 150-1 shock in the BoyleSports-sponsored showpiece at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.
McLoughlin has his sights fixed on Aintree next April – but for this term he will sign off closer to home.
McLoughlin said: “I think we’ll have a look at the Pat Taaffe at Punchestown. He’s had a good break and we’re only starting him back this week. He’s going to be aimed at the English National next season, but he’ll need to go up a few pounds to get in. He went up 8lb for Fairyhouse.”