That team is Aidan P O'Brien's operation out of Cashel in County Tipperary — one of the most powerful racing yards on the planet. With 125 winners already on the board this season alone, the scale of what O'Brien's outfit achieves is almost difficult to comprehend. To put it plainly: this is a stable that has sent out more winners this season than most trainers manage in a career. When a horse carries that famous blue and green silks, it tends to be there for a reason, even if it hasn't shown its hand yet.
South Dakota has raced three times and finished fourth, fourth, and third — running in reverse order of what you'd hope for, though that third-place finish at least hints at some improvement. The horse raced as recently as yesterday, so whatever is coming next is likely not far away. At two years old, with only three races under its belt, it would be harsh to write off any prospect from a yard of this calibre. Some of the best horses in the world have taken time to click, and O'Brien's team have a long track record of knowing when to be patient and when to press the button.
Right now, South Dakota is a horse in progress — unproven, but not without potential, and in the best possible hands to find out which way this story goes.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Curragh Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 23 May | 0% |
| Ascot Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 18 Jun | 0% |
| Killarney Sharp |
1 | 1 third | 15 Jul | 0% |