So You Think will face just four rivals as he bids to open his Group One account in the northern hemisphere in Sunday’s Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.
The son of High Chaparral is a multiple winner at the highest level in Australia and ran a tremendous race to finish third in the Melbourne Cup at his final start for Bart Cummings.
He barely came off the bridle on his first start for Aidan O’Brien in the Mooresbridge Stakes and he is long odds-on to follow up this weekend.
His main rival appears to be Dermot Weld’s 12-time winner Famous Name.
The six-year-old has a number of Pattern-race victories to his name but success at Group One level still eludes him.
Jockey Pat Smullen reports the entire to be in tremendous form off the back of victory in the Amethyst Stakes at his beloved Leopardstown at the start of the month, but he does not expect him to beat So You Think.
“Our horse is in very good order and tremendous form. I’d expect him to run his race but we’re taking on probably the best horse in the world,” Smullen said.
“Realistically, if our lad finishes second, it will be a big run, but you never know on the day.
“Our fellow is a tremendous horse, but So You Think was very impressive during his career in Australia and equally so at the Curragh last time.
“We’re going to be up against it to beat him, but we think the world of our horse and he’s entitled to take his chance.
“We’d love to win a Group One with our lad before the year is out and we’re probably going to find easier opportunities than taking on So You Think.
“But while he’s healthy and well, why not have a go?”
O’Brien also saddles Windsor Palace, while Godolphin’s Campanologist and Mid Mon Lady from the Harry Rogers yard complete the line-up.
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