G1 Cheveley Park S. heroine Clemmie (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), currently favoured in the G1 QIPCO 1000 Guineas, and the winning Amedeo Modigliani (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) have both suffered setbacks and could miss those Classic runs, Aidan O'Brien told Racing Post on Sunday. A full-sister to dual Classic hero Churchill (Ire), Clemmie sustained a stone bruise last month.
“Clemmie had a hold-up last month and is only back walking,” O'Brien said to Racing Post. “It's possible the Newmarket Guineas might come too soon for her and we might decide to aim her at the [G1] Irish 1000 with possibly a race before then. Her brother Churchill got a mile but only just, so there are no guarantees she will get the distance. If she doesn't then we can always drop her in trip. She showed last season she has plenty of speed, winning the [G2] Duchess of Cambridge and the Cheveley Park.”
The highly regarded 'TDN Rising Star' Amedeo Modigliani has an August Galway win to his credit from two starts, but he drew off by 5 1/2 lengths that day and was behind only fellow Ballydoyle stablemate Saxon Warrior (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the wagering for the June 2 G1 Epsom Derby prior to Sunday's news.
“He's had a setback and is only walking and trotting,” O'Brien said. “We're going gently with him and won't be forcing him. He might not be ready for the Classics and most likely it will be the second half of the season for him. He's a smart colt and we like him.”
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