O’BRIEN’S WINTER IS A STAYING WONDER

A WIN for Winter restored a sense of normality to this midsummer festival and created new options for her career after a decisive victory in the Nassau Stakes. Trainer Aidan O’Brien even floated a glittering clash with King George winner Enable in the Yorkshire Oaks at York in three weeks’ time for his grey filly after she had landed her fourth Group One prize of the season by a length and a half from Blond Me. Winter’s next run is more likely to be a first test against the colts in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next month. Punters had been on the ropes on the first two days of this weather-battered meeting but O’Brien’s 10-11 favourite never looked like she was going to be beaten despite fears she may struggle on her first try at a mile and a quarter on heavy ground. O’Brien, who 24 hours earlier had pulled Churchill out of the Sussex Stakes, said: ‘It was a bit of a risk running her but she’s won well on g ground which is like w winter jumping ground. You wouldn’t rule out her staying a mile and a half.’ Churchill looks like heading to York’s Ebor meeting where he would also step up in trip for the In International Stakes. Th The blue and green still as associated with late owner Ro Robert Sangster have been ca carried with distinction at Yo York by horses like Vincent O’ O’Brien-trained Juazeiro. Th These days they are the silk silks carried by horses re representing Manton Thoroughbreds,Tho but the SangsterSan link remains. Robert’sRob son Sam bought Barraquero,Bar winner of the RichmondRic Stakes under WilliamWil Buick. Trainer Brian MeehanMe could aim the colt nextnex at the Group One Prix Morny.Mor His only defeat in threethre runs came on debut behindbeh Expert Eye, winner of Tuesday’sTues Vintage Stakes.