James J Braddock

Trainer Joseph Patrick O'Brien, who runs a prolific yard at Owning Hill in Co Kilkenny—160 winners this season alone—sees genuine potential here. O'Brien reckoned James J Braddock was a middle-distance or staying prospect from the start, and Leopardstown confirmed that reading. The fast ground that day was no obstacle, despite the colt's comfort on softer terrain as a youngster. That adaptability matters. Before Leopardstown, the plan was to aim him at the King Edward at Ascot, one of the top races in Britain, but that victory has opened O'Brien's eyes to other possibilities. He believes this is a horse destined for top international races down the line, and the form suggests he is not overreaching.

The recent form is choppy—a 6th place just days ago and a 6th before that—but the wins at Leopardstown and The Curragh, sandwiched between some competitive efforts, show a horse still learning his trade at the right level. At three years old, James J Braddock is exactly where he should be: winning races, handling different ground conditions, and attracting the kind of attention that suggests bigger targets ahead.