Aidan O’Brien saddles four in Saturday’s Darley Dewhurst Stakes as he edges closer to Bobby Frankel’s Group 1 record
US Navy Flag was last seen winning the Middle Park Stakes and O'Brien believes the extra distance will also suit him at Newmarket
AIDAN O'BRIEN fires four at the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday as he goes all out to match Bobby Frankel's Group 1 record.
O'Brien is set to run US Navy Flag, Seahenge, Mendelssohn and Threeandfourpence.
The Ballydoyle handler said: "US Navy Flag is in good form. He's going up to seven furlongs for the first time, but when we stepped his sister (Roly Poly) up she improved.
"He hasn't done much since the last day, but he seems to be in good form.
"We were delighted with Seahenge in Doncaster. He was still a bit babyish, but we were delighted with him and he's been in good form since.
"Mendelssohn is a bit immature mentally and he's inclined to have a look around, so that's why we've put blinkers on him.
"He's worn the blinkers at home and they seem to help him concentrate so it will be interesting to see. He has been in good form.
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"Threeandfourpence had a nice run first time at the Curragh and at Fairyhouse (last time) we knew the six furlongs would be plenty tight enough for him, but thought the experience would do him well."
O'Brien's army will come up against favourite Expert Eye from Sir Michael Stoute's yard.
The two-year-old has made just two appearances but created a lasting impression when bolting up in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
Stoute said: "He's a very well-balanced horse and very well developed and mature. It was a very good performance at Goodwood and the form has worked out well.
Templegate's TV tips
1.50 Newmarket - To Wafij: 'Today's track should really suit him'
2.25 Newmarket - Gavota: 'Cracking effort in defeat last time'
2.45 York - Just Hiss: 'I'm expecting him to go well again'
3.00 Newmarket - Dabyah: 'This trip is perfect for her'
3.35 Newmarket - Happily: 'Beat the boys last time and classy'
3.55 York - The Grand Visir: 'I'm sure he has a race like this in him'
4.10 Newmarket - Humble Hero: 'Today's trip will suit'
"This race is quite a while later, but he seems in good form. We knew he'd win at Goodwood and we were really pleased with him.
"You're never quite sure of the opposition, but he could not have done it any easier. The Dewhurst looks a tough race."
You would have to say he's the best two-year-old I have had for quite a while. He's been pretty natural from the beginning."
John Gosden saddles Emaraaty, who cost 2.6 million guineas as a yearling.
Gosden said: "It's a jump up to a Group 1, but it's at home and it's on nice ground. His first run he got rather boxed in and then he won well next time out.
"We will get a good idea of the level he is at on Saturday."
Jim Bolger relies on outsider Theobald with Mark Johnston's Cardsharp and Great Prospector from Richard Fahey's yard completing the line-up.
