Caravaggio bids to restore his reputation as Aidan O’Brien drops him in class for the Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday
Aidan O'Brien's sprinter looked set to go all the way to the top after his Commonwealth Cup win but he has been disappointing on his last couple of starts
CARAVAGGIO bids to redeem his faltering reputation when he lines up in the Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday.
The sky appeared to be the limit for the three-year-old colt after he took his 100 per cent record to six with a stunning victory over Harry Angel in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
However, his last two runs have been disappointing with defeats in the July Cup and the Prix Maurice de Gheest.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "He's in good form. We just felt he had a few things that didn't suit him in Deauville, but we're happy with the way he's moving and he seems to be in very good form.
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"Obviously the faster the ground the better it will suit him, but he has form with ease in the ground as well."
David Griffiths is happy to take on Caravaggio with evergreen veteran Duke Of Firenze.
He missed the Nunthorpe due to a slight setback the night before the York showpiece.
"He's well now and is fine having arrived over there," said Griffiths.
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By Templegate
- 1.50 Haydock - Dee Ex Bee: 'Drops in class and can bounce back'
- 2.05 Kempton - Midterm: 'Tons of ability and showed that last time'
- 2.25 Haydock - Tasleet: 'Conditions are right up his street and you can forget his last run'
- 2.45 Ascot - Birchwood: 'Back to his best at Goodwood last time and had strong claims'
- 3.00 Haydock - Holmeswood: 'Plenty of speed and goes on any ground'
- 3.15 Kempton - Commodity: 'Proven over this course and distance already'
- 3.35 Haydock - Ballet Concerto: 'This is his best trip and he has a huge chance'
- 3.55 Ascot - Cape Coast: 'On the up and this trip is ideal'
- 4.10 Haydock - Ravenous: 'Knocking on the door and put in a top effort last time'
"Obviously it's very tough, but going on his Epsom Dash form with Caspian Prince, that would put him somewhere near.
"The money's fantastic there and he won't mind the ground. He's in really good form and I think he's got a good draw (in stall nine).
"We're not drawn far from Caspian Prince and Caravaggio. Fran Berry knows him, he's finished second on him before.
"It's a massive step up, but I think he deserves to take his chance. We're quite hopeful."
