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25 Apr 2018

Classic Contenders in the spotlight: Saxon Warrior

Saxon Warrior was a battling winner of the Racing Post Trophy. Picture: Racingfotos.com

In the last of our weekly mini series, we consider the merits of Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten colt

Horse: SAXON WARRIOR

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien. Form: 111

Saxon Warrior already has one claim to fame – his tenacious victory in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October providing Aidan O’Brien, his trainer, with his record-breaking 26th Group 1 winner of last year.

It will be a surprise if the tall son of Deep Impact, unbeaten in three starts, does not continue to make an impact at the highest level during the months ahead.

Before his battling success at Town Moor, at the main expense of Royal Lodge winner Roaring Lion, he had shown a striking turn of foot to win on his debut in a mile maiden at the Curragh before following up in the Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at Naas.

“He’s a very special horse, we think,” O’Brien said after his victory at Town Moor. “He’s done everything we’ve asked of him and he’s only been a baby. I’d say there’s no doubt he’ll be better on better ground.”

Saxon Warrior is a son of Japanese champion Deep Impact out of Galileo mare Maybe, who herself was a Group 1 winner for Coolmore.

His pedigree, form, connections and potential means he heads the ante-post betting for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas and Investec Derby.

Last month, O’Brien issued a positive bulletin about Saxon Warrior,saying: “He’s done very well and is a massive, big, physical horse. He was a big horse last year but he’s bigger this year. We have our eye on the Guineas and we’re just hoping that we have him ready in time for it.

“He could well get a mile and a half as he has a relaxed way of doing it, so it will be very interesting with him. He’ll probably go straight for the Guineas. He could go for a run but I’d imagine he’ll probably go for a racecourse gallop instead.”