Coronation Cup on agenda as Capri returns in style

OBrien and Moore compare notes after the success of Capri. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Capri has the Investec Coronation Cup on his agenda after making a winning return in the Toals.com Bookmakers Alleged Stakes at Naas on Friday.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt enjoyed QIPCO British Champions Series glory last year in the William Hill St Leger, having earlier won the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, and made all under Ryan Moore at the expense of four rivals.

The 7-4 favourite responded willingly to Moore’s urgings and, while below his peak, held on by a head from Cannonball.

O’Brien said: “We’re delighted and it was nice to get him started. We’ll have a look at going to the Mooresbridge next and he’ll come on lovely.

“Then we might have a look at either the Tattersalls (Gold Cup, Curragh) or the Coronation (Cup, Epsom). Maybe he can do the two.

“He’s a lovely relaxed horse, lazy and a brave horse. Ryan was delighted with him. We’ll let him come slowly, rather than forcing him. We’ll feel our way. That’s the first time he’s won over 10 furlongs and we’ll be thinking a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half with him.”

He added: “There should be tons of improvement. I’d say he got tired, but he was entitled to and it’s nice for him to be doing that rather than racing up there with his mouth open, as we’ve another eight months to go.”

Stablemate Cliffs Of Moher finished last of the five in the hands of Seamie Heffernan, and O’Brien added: “He was a bit fresh and a bit fresh before it. He’s going to take a bit of racing to get him to come down and relax again.”