Brussels

That single win came at The Curragh on 24 May 2025, over the short, sharp distances Brussels seems to favour — anywhere between five and six and a half furlongs, where it has won 1 of its 4 races at that range, a 25% win rate that comfortably outstrips its overall record. The Curragh is one of Ireland's most prestigious tracks, so even a maiden victory there carries genuine weight. Since then, Brussels has been placed twice more, suggesting it is competitive without quite being able to get its head in front again.

The bigger challenge is that Brussels has been pitched into Class 1 company three times — the absolute elite of the sport — and has yet to win at that level, going 0 from 3. That is not necessarily a mark against the horse; plenty of good horses take time to break through at the very top. What makes it interesting is that Aidan O'Brien's yard, one of the most powerful operations in European racing, has sent out 145 winners this season alone, and they keep running Brussels at the highest level. That is a statement of belief.

Now comes the next test: Brussels returns after a five-month break, its longest time off since racing began. Whether that freshness sharpens it up or leaves it needing a run to find its rhythm is the key question. A horse that finished second, second, and fourth in its three races before winning suggests it knows how to compete — it just needs everything to click at the right moment. With O'Brien's team behind it and a record that shows it belongs in good company, Brussels is a horse worth keeping an eye on as the new campaign unfolds.