Derby Festival News
Friday 6th & Saturday 7th June 2014

Australia Heads Straight to Epsom Showpiece
06/05/14

Australia lost nothing in defeat when an excellent third behind Night Of Thunder in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, and will be seen next in the Epsom Derby on June 7.

Australia
© Caroline Norris

“He was a bit unlucky the way they split in the Guineas,” said his trainer Aidan O’Brien. “Joseph (his son, who rode the colt) said he had to commit early, but he ran as straight as a gun barrel and I’m very happy with the way he’s come out of the race. He’s in good form and won’t run before the Derby.”

O'Brien hailed the blue-blooded colt (Galileo-Ouija Board, by Cape Cross) as a dream horse following his breathtaking victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Trial Stakes at Leopardstown last September.

Australia cost his owners Coolmore 525,000 guineas at the Tattersalls October sale and his only defeat in three outings as a two-year-old was on debut at The Curragh in June, when he missed the start hopelessly.

A general 5/2 chance at the start of the day, Australia shortened to a general 7/4 favourite.

O’Brien, who has won the 2,000 Guineas six times, was hoping to equal John Scott’s record of seven wins, plans to run War Command, the ninth home at Newmarket, in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on May 24.

O’Brien said: “He’s a big, bulky horse and he’s going to improve from the run.”