Classiest

O'Brien has indicated that Classiest suffered a minor lameness issue that kept her sidelined during the winter, but he believes she has genuine ability and is targeting Group-race company for the middle part of the season. Her winning run at Galway offers a glimpse of what that ability might look like. Jockey Declan McDonogh, who partnered her to that victory, was impressed by how sharply she picked up when asked to quicken on the hill in tough, muddy conditions — the kind of performance that suggested there is more to come from her. A filly who can find another gear on testing ground and who has caught the eye of a trainer of O'Brien's calibre is worth watching as she steps up in class over the coming weeks.