Stars look to the autumn

Danny O’Brien stable headline acts Star Witness, Vigor, Shamrocker and Placement have all returned to training in the past week to prepare for their autumn campaigns.

O’Brien said he was looking forward to a building on his stable’s strong spring with an even bigger autumn.

“The three-year-olds all did well during their short breaks and we now have a bit to work with, to get them in shape to enhance their reputations and racing records this campaign,” O’Brien said.

“Vigor is a bit of the forgotten horse, but he did have his issues in the spring that he is now over so we are looking forward to getting him back running against the best horses in the land.”

O’Brien wouldn’t be drawn into the exact aims of each horse for their coming campaigns, but said he was confident all would return as better horses.

“Star Witness was excellent in the Coolmore and was terrific chasing Black Caviar in the Patinack, and I am expecting him to be bigger and better this preparation,” O’Brien said.

VRC Oaks placegetters Shamrocker and Placement will more than likely be heading towards the staying fillies’ features.

“Placement is still a maiden, so we will be looking for her to break through early in her campaign before taking on those stronger races again.”

O’Brien was also buoyant about his two-year-olds, most of which are in their second preparations at the Flemington stable.

“We have a lovely crop of young horses and we will be hoping one or two them step up and put their mark on the two-year-old features like we did last autumn with Star Witness and Shamrocker.”

Photo by Bruno Cannatelli, to view Bruno’s website click here