Air Force Blue delights O’Brien in Curragh workout

Ryan Moore rides Air Force Blue to victory in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes last summer. Image copyright of Racingfotos.com

Aidan O’Brien issued an upbeat bulletin on Air Force Blue after the QIPCO 2000 Guineas favourite was among 50 of his horses to work after racing at the Curragh on Sunday.

O’Brien sent his runners out in five groups and afterwards indicated that Air Force Blue, who was partnered by Seamie Heffernan, would go for the Guineas – the first race in the QIPCO British Champions Series on April 30 – without an outing beforehand.

That is a familiar formula for O’Brien. All seven of his previous 2000 Guineas winners were making their seasonal reappearance.

“Seamus was very happy with Air Force Blue,” O’Brien said. “He cruised up the middle. It’s five weeks to the Guineas and we’ll probably go straight there. He was very happy with where we’re at.”

O’Brien also outlined plans for other members of his team who have the potential to make an impact in the Series this year. “Hit It A Bomb might go to the French Guineas if the other horse [Air Force Blue] goes to Newmarket,” he said.

Minding, favourite for the QIPCO 1000 Guineas on May 1, is also on course for the race but O’Brien warned that fast ground could be an issue. “She wouldn’t want it like concrete,” he said.

He added: “Even Song will probably go for the mile Guineas trial, Alice Springs a seven-furlong Guineas trial. Ballydoyle will stick to fast ground and could go for the French Guineas if the other one [Minding] goes for the English one.”

Found’s first principal target of the year is the Tattersalls Gold Cup but she could start off in the Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh on May 2.