Champions Weekend: Curragh update

Sanus Per Aquam to be aimed at the National Stakes, says Bolger

Trainer Jim Bolger is directing Sanus Per Aquam  towards Group 1 glory at the Curragh on Champions Weekend. Photograph: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Trainer Jim Bolger is directing Sanus Per Aquam towards Group 1 glory at the Curragh on Champions Weekend. Photograph: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Sanus Per Aquam lost his unbeaten record at long odds-on in last month’s Tyros Stakes but is still on course to bid for Group 1 glory over Champions weekend at the Curragh.

Jim Bolger confirmed the colt will be targeted at the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh over a weekend that could also see Lucida in the Coolmore Matron Stakes and Pleascach in the Champion Stakes.

Bolger’s Herald The Dawn scored in Sunday’s Futurity at the Curragh and the trainer said: “Sanus Per Aquam is in the National Stakes and that is his target now. He was in the Futurity but obviously I wasn’t going to run the two horses in the one race so we’re keeping him for the National.”

Sanus Per Aquam remains as low as 14-1 for next year’s 2,000 Guineas despite losing at 1-3 to Deauville at Leopardstown last month.

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As De Ferbet has actually won a race, at Auteuil in 2013, something worth recounting ahead of this evening’s Beginners Chase at Ballinrobe where the grey attempts to end a run of five runner-up placings.

Gigginstown Stud colours will be carried by three of the seven runners in the conditions and Savello appears well enough treated to build on his decent Galway Plate effort.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column