Smart targets in the pipeline for Wemightakedlongway

Joseph O’Brien is looking forward to further top-level events in the autumn after proudly watching Wemightakedlongway finish second to his father’s Minnie Hauk in the Juddmonte Irish Oaks.

The daughter of Australia was fourth to Minnie Hauk in the Epsom equivalent in June before not being disgraced when dropping back to 10 furlongs and filling the same spot in the Curragh’s Pretty Polly Stakes next time.

She justified her position as chief market danger to Minnie Hauk when closing the gap on the dual Classic winner in her second taste of Classic action and after her brave performance in defeat, Wemightakedlongway’s trainer is now lining up some exciting options for later in the season.

“I was very proud of her run and there is no shame getting beat a length by Minnie Hauk,” said O’Brien.

“We can look at some nice fillies races with her in the autumn now and there’s a good chance she might turn up in something like the Prix Vermeille or Prix de l’Opera.”

O’Brien may have had to settle for second with Wemightakedlongway, but was thrilled to see Al Riffa – who is now somewhat a stable stalwart – excel in his first try at a mile and six.

A dual Group One winner, he built on his fine Royal Ascot second to Rebel’s Romance to romp to an impressive five-length success in the Curragh Cup and the Owning Hill handler has earmarked the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger over the same track and trip as the perfect spot to seek further top honours.

“He’s a great horse who put up a real good showing in the Curragh Cup over a new distance for him,” added O’Brien.

“He seemed to cope with the trip well and the Irish St Leger is an obvious target for him now, but we have the option of popping back to Germany or something between now and then, so we’ll see how he pulls up and make a plan from there.

“He was second in the Eclipse last year and has a high level of form at a mile and a half and now he can go a mile and six as well it just opens up more options. Really, trying to win another Group One and earn some good prize-money will be our objective before the end of the year.”