Melbourne Cup Possible for G2 Curragh Cup Quinella

Tara Madgwick - Sunday July 21

The Group II Comer Group International Curragh Cup (1m6f) was run overnight in Ireland with a Galileo quinella for Aidan O’Brien and both Tower of London and Grosvenor Square are somewhere in the mix for the Melbourne Cup having soundly beaten Vauban, who was favourite at Flemington last year.

Vauban was favourite for this assignment, but could manage only third as three year-old Grosvenor Square set the pace in front for Gavin Ryan and looked set for victory until Tower of London finished like an express train for Ryan Moore to win by length and a quarter.

Advertisement

Fourth in the Group I English St Leger last year, four year-old Tower of London campaigned in Saudi Arabia and Dubai earlier this year winning Group races including the Group II Dubai Gold Cup at 2m with his overall record now six wins from 12  starts.

"Ryan gave him a peach. He stays well, has got a great cruising speed and is able to quicken. He's a very good horse and can travel anywhere,” said Aidan O’Brien.

“We might look to space out his runs a bit and he could be back here for the Irish St Leger. He could be a Melbourne Cup horse. The runner-up loved the distance and he could be a Melbourne Cup horse as well."

Tower of London is a full brother to dual Group I winning stayer Capri and Group winners Passion and Cypress Creek as well as the dam of Group I winner Commissioning. He is one of seven winners from blue hen Dialafara, a winning Anabaa daughter of Group II winner Diamilina with the family also producing Bauer, who finished a very close second in a Melbourne Cup.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Ballydoyle Strikes Early with Tower Of London on World Cup Night
The 2018 Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter won the Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) at his next start five months later, and  Tower Of London would not be out of place in the famous 2-miler at Flemington judging by his performance in Saturday’s edition of the Group II staying feature at Meydan on World Cup night.
Vale, Bel Esprit
Sad news from Widden Stud in Victoria with the passing of much-loved veteran 26 year-old sire Bel Esprit, who has succumbed to the effects of old age after a long and fruitful stud career following his brilliant exploits on the racetrack.
Half-Sister to Blue Diamond Contender Sells for $525,000
The Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale kicked off on Thursday and it didn’t take long for the sale ring to light up with Lot 25, the half-sister by Zoustar to G1 Blue Diamond contender Chayan selling for $525,000.
Sword of State 2YO Auditioning for Group One Tilt
Group One assignments are looming for the country’s leading juveniles and Chad Ormsby is hoping State Of Valour can be among that contingent.
NZB Filly of the Year Glory on the Line in Grand Finale
For the first time in four years, the NZB Filly of the Year Series is still well and truly alive heading into its grand finale – the $1m Group One Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m).
Premier Stars for Crossley Thoroughbreds
Mitch Pearce and his team at Crossley Thoroughbreds are preparing for their third Inglis Premier Yearling Sale and are excited to present another top class draft that includes one of only two colts in this year’s sale by champion sire Snitzel.
Three Straight for Decorum – Brother at Inglis Easter
When the full brother to G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland defeats the half-brother to G1 Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot, it’s a race worth taking note of, and that’s exactly what played out in the Hyland Race Colours (1600m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
First Win for $1.6million Karaka Sale-Topper
The top lot at the 2024 Karaka Book 1 Yearling Sale and the highest priced yearling by champion sire Proisir ever sold, $1.6million filly Seychelles opened her account at Pakenham on Thursday.
Aishiteru (NZ) Goes All the Way for Mega Maiden Bonus
A dominant front-running performance carried lightly raced filly Aishiteru (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) to a maiden victory and a NZB Mega Maiden bonus at Riccarton on Wednesday.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday February 18
Here is the full list of 48 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.