NEWS
Rags to Riches’ half brother possible for Marathon
Posted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 10:40 AM
Man of Iron, the three-year-old half brother to Belmont Stakes (G1) winners Rags to Riches and Jazil, is a candidate for the Breeders’ Cup Marathon after winning a conditions race on October 16 at Dundalk.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien for Rags to Riches’ owners Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier, and Michael Tabor, the Giant’s Causeway colt scored by 3 1/2 lengths on the Polytrack at Dundalk. He also finished fourth there behind stablemate Mastercraftsman in the Diamond Stakes (Ire-G3) on October 2.
O’Brien told the Irish Times that Man of Iron could replace Septimus as his representative in the 1 3/4-mile Marathon. O’Brien has abandoned his plan to bring Septimus, the 2008 Irish Field St. Leger (Ire-G1) winner, into the Marathon off a one-year layoff.
O’Brien said Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Eng-G1) winner Rip Van Winkle and Irish Two Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1) winner Mastercraftsman are on course for the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
The top Irish trainer also will take two shots at the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), with Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes (Eng-G1) winner Beethoven joining Phoenix Stakes (Ire-G1) winner Alfred Nobel. O’Brien said Viscount Nelson will target the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G2), and multiple group stakes winner Lillie Langtry will go for the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1).
O’Brien said Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Ire-G1) winner Fame And Glory will be pointed to a four-year-old campaign following his sixth-place finish in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes (Eng-G1) on October 17 at Newmarket.
Jazil, Man of Iron, and champion Rags to Riches are all out of the Deputy Minister mare Better Than Honour, who also produced Grade 2 winner Casino Drive and established a record as a broodmare at public auction when she sold for $14-million at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky selected fall mixed sale.
