Is there a man in all of European racing, with more pressure on him today than Aiden O'Brien? The value of a half share in what's thought to be a 50 million dollar horse, will come under the spotlight at Leopardstown in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes. After going down to the ill fated Rewilding in the Prince Of Wales, he atoned by beating the Derby/Arc winner in the Eclipse, in a titanic battle in the straight. Today against a weaker opposition, he's expected to win with his head on his chest, but if he fails or just falls in, what then of the massive investment? AOB will probably won't be able to crap for a week after today. Go the champion. Give my old mate AOB an easy day at the office.
When I saw the title of your post, cyclonic, I thought Tight Sphincter might the name of the next Aussie sprinting superstar coming our way. These must be the hardest races for trainers and connections - not much to gain and everything to lose. Even when he wins - which I'm sure he will - everyone will be relieved but not really up to celebrating. But it will be another G1 on the horse's record, which is important.
Cyc to get anywhere near justifying that price tag he has to start taking in the really coveted races. To date the G1s he has contested have not been the "creme de la creme" and he must surely now go to Longchamp and / or the Breeders Cup to start taking on all comers? The race tonight was another very poor G1 and, whilst I agree he can do no more than win, a half-length defeat of Snow Fairy just doesn't cut it. He has to go for the Arc IMHO - anything short of winning that and he won't have been worth the investment.
I don't think he ran to form today after a break...refuse to believe that Snow Fairy improved 9L from their last encounter. Oddy I think the Eclipse was a crackingt G1 with the Arc and Derby winner in the field but I agree he needs to win a BC or the like.The Arc is not even on the agenda. Cyc,the thing I find most disappointing is the huge desire of people on here to see this horse beaten.Sad.
