KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 1m 45.25s

(4)

Alder⁶¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: G M Ryan| T: Donnacha O'Brien| D

12/1

Debut form is strong and improved when winning 7-runner maiden at Killarney (8.1f, good to soft) 61 days ago, still looking green. Given time since and has more to offer.

Form: 41

(5)

Auguste Rodin⁷⁰

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien

11/10

Typically well-bred colt for these connections who was unlucky on debut but made no mistake in 13-runner maiden at Naas (7f, soft) 70 days ago, keeping on well. Lots more in the pipeline.

Form: 21

(1)

Serious Challenge⁴²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: K J Manning| T: J S Bolger| OR: 95| D

6/1

Built on debut run 5 days earlier when winning 7-runner maiden (9/2) at Galway (8.3f, heavy) 6 weeks ago, looking better the further he went. Has plenty of physical scope and is open to further improvement.

Form: 31

(3)

Tower Of London⁵¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| CD

2/1

Another superbly-bred Ballydoyle inmate, half-brother to Irish Derby/St Leger winner Capri among others, and he made the perfect start in 6-runner maiden at this C&D (good, 7/4) 51 days ago, overcoming inexperience and well on top finish. Sure to improve.

Form: 1

(2)

Caroline Street¹⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: S M Crosse| T: J P O'Brien| CD

18/1

Impressive winner over C&D on debut and shaped much better than the distance beaten suggests when 5¼ lengths sixth of 8 to Aspen Grove in Flame of Tara Stakes at the Curragh (8f, good) 14 days ago. Remains with potential but this is a tough assignment taking on the boys.

Form: 16

Forecasts

Auguste Rodin (11/10), Tower Of London (2/1), Serious Challenge (6/1), Alder (12/1), Caroline Street (18/1)

The usual field of promising types for this Group 2 with AUGUSTE RODIN fancied to take another step forward with victory for Aidan O'Brien. Having looked unlucky on debut he proved a lot more professional when winning easily at Naas 2 months ago and can go on improving for a while yet. Stablemate Tower of London is an obvious alternative, while Serious Challenge looks another useful prospect for Jim Bolger.