Exciting O'Brien juvenile Luxembourg set to show star promise in Beresford test

Saturday: 2.30 Curragh
Alan Smurfit Memorial Beresford Stakes (Group 2) | 1m | 2yo | RTV

This Group 2 regularly produces a leading Classic contender for the following season and exciting juvenile Luxembourg will surely see his Cazoo Derby odds tumble with a victory.

Attempting to join an illustrious roll of honour, the general 25-1 shot for Epsom glory will fly the flag solo for Aidan O'Brien as the trainer bids for a record-extending 21st Beresford Stakes success.

Luxembourg: general 25-1 shot for next year's Cazoo DerbyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

With Piz Badile, who created such a positive impression on debut at Killarney in July, now a non-runner, just six go to post and all are guaranteed a share of the prize money.

Despite being the two least experienced runners – both yet to contest a Pattern race – Luxembourg and Swan Bay stand out to some degree.

High Definition has been unable to live up to the potential he showed when winning this race last year but there have been few more impressive Ballydoyle debut winners this season than Luxembourg who has the makings of a lovely middle-distance prospect.

A half-brother to Mooresbridge Stakes scorer Leo De Fury, he pulled two-and-a-quarter lengths clear of Saturday's rival Tuwaiq, one who had the benefit of a win and was in receipt of 2lb.

Play By The Rules, since second in a nursery behind Royal Lodge Stakes contender Howth, and Limerick maiden winner Snapius also give some credibility to the form.

The manner in which he overcame greenness was particularly impressive and he gave the impression there should be plenty more to come.

Swan Bay: impressive last time at Galway under Shane CrosseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

After an eyecatching second on his Curragh debut behind Cowboy Justice, the Joseph O'Brien-trained Swan Bay ran out a ready winner at Galway by five lengths over a useful juvenile yardstick in Anchorage.

This trip is of no concern given how the promising Australia colt finished off over 1m½f up the Ballybrit hill 18 days ago – and he has the benefit of two runs compared to Luxembourg's one.

Jim Bolger has never won the Beresford Stakes but his 102-rated Manu Et Corde is the top-ranked challenger of those who hold ratings.

Beaten just a length when fifth to Atomic Jones in the Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown a fortnight ago, he's a pretty solid sort who won't be too far away from the frame if bringing his best, even if he isn't as unexposed as the favourite.

Manu Et Corde (white with purple, fifth): beaten just a length in a bunched finish to the KPMG Champions Juvenile StakesCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Tuwaiq has plenty on his plate as he bids to turn around Killarney form with Luxembourg.

Ger Lyons' representative was turned over as the even-money favourite at Roscommon last month when third to rivals placed in the Ingabelle Stakes and Flying Scotsman Stakes on their next outings.

Chicago Soldier didn't quite progress as hoped last time at Bellewstown but should appreciate returning to this more orthodox track.

O'Brien: 'We've always liked Luxembourg a lot and this has been the plan'

It was on this card 12 months ago that Santa Barbara announced herself as an extremely bright talent when registering a breakthrough success.

Just days after the top three-year-old's passing, it would be fitting if another of Camelot's offspring could make a similar statement on Saturday.

"We've always liked Luxembourg a lot," O'Brien said of the horse bidding to follow in the hoofprints of star Beresford winners Nijinsky, Sadler's Wells, Sea The Stars, St Nicholas Abbey and Azamour.

Aidan O'Brien on Luxembourg (left): 'You'd imagine he should progress from two to three'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He'd been working lovely before his first run at Killarney and everything has gone well with him since. It was always the plan to come here next."

His lack of a run for just over ten weeks could be interpreted as a potential negative, but given his sizeable physique it's surely also possible that he would have improved over the period.

"He's a fine, big horse," said the trainer, who is seeking an 11th straight win in the race. "You'd imagine he should progress from two to three."

What they say

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Chicago Soldier
He will run well, I'm fairly sure of that, but I thought he would win at Bellewstown and he didn't. I was a bit disappointed by that but he was in this next and I said we'd let him take his chance anyway. He will enjoy the track at the Curragh and he's in good shape.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Swan Bay
He won his maiden well at Galway. This looks a hot race, as you'd expect, but he earned his spot in the race.

Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Newmarket: Superlative Stakes form gets tested as Masekela lines up in the Royal Lodge

2.25 Newmarket: 'I wouldn't change her for anything' – key quotes for the Cheveley Park Stakes

3.00 Newmarket: Perfect Power renews rivalry with familiar foes in top-class Middle Park

3.40 Newmarket: 'This has been his target' – Thady Gosden on yard's leading Cambridgeshire hopes

4.10 Curragh: Art Power bids for another lucrative Irish raid in Group 3 Renaissance Stakes

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