Smart targets in pipeline for Wemightakedlongway Joseph O’Brien reflects on a strong weekend at the Curragh, with both Wemightakedlongway and Al Riffa showing Group One class and setting up major autumn campaigns. Wemightakedlongway targets Autumn Group Ones Joseph O’Brien was full of praise for Wemightakedlongway after her valiant second-place finish behind his father’s Minnie Hauk in the Juddmonte Irish Oaks. The filly, by Australia, had previously finished fourth in the Epsom Oaks and repeated that placing in the Pretty Polly Stakes before stepping back up to Classic company. “I was very proud of her run and there is no shame getting beat a length by Minnie Hauk,” said O’Brien. The trainer now has his sights set on top-class autumn targets: “We can look at some nice fillies races with her in the autumn now and there’s a good chance she might turn up in something like the Prix Vermeille or Prix de l’Opera.” Al Riffa Dominates Curragh Cup as Irish St Leger Beckons While narrowly missing out on Irish Oaks glory, O’Brien was delighted with Al Riffa’s powerful five-length win in the Curragh Cup, which marked his successful debut over a mile and six furlongs. “He’s a great horse who put up a real good showing in the Curragh Cup over a new distance for him,” O’Brien noted. Next on the agenda is the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger, though the team may consider an interim target: “We have the option of popping back to Germany or something between now and then… Really, trying to win another Group One and earn some good prize-money will be our objective before the end of the year.” Al Riffa’s versatility now gives O’Brien flexibility across a range of elite races, having proven form from a mile and a half to a mile and six.
