Aidan O’Brien has outlined ambitions for some of his stars including new recruit Verrazano.
Verrazano has joined O’Brien in Ireland after a stellar three-year-old year in the United States under Todd Pletcher where he claimed two Grade One races on dirt.
The intention is to raise his profile in Europe ahead of a career at stud in Ireland and Australia.
“He’s a massive, big horse and it’s exciting for us to get a horse like him,” O’Brien told At the Races.
“Obviously he knows all about the dirt. Hopefully it will be exciting what he can do and we can get the fast ground on grass for him.
“He has a lovely laid-back way of racing which should be a help.”
O’Brien is also expecting big things from Magician in 2014 after the three-year-old overcame a long absence to end last season on a high.
Winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas in May, the colt was off the track after finishing last in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot before upstaging The Fugue in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita in November.
The son of Galileo is versatile in terms of distance, which will give O’Brien plenty of options in the upcoming campaign.
“He’s done very well and he’s training very well. He’s in good shape and is cantering away. Hopefully he’ll be exciting.
The trainer has high hopes for his three-year-olds and reports Classic contenders Australia and War Command to be in good shape.
“War Command is a big horse and a powerful horse,” he said.
“Everything’s good so far with Australia. I couldn’t be happier really.”
Both are near the head of the pre-post betting at around 7-1 for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket while Australia is 4-1 favourite for the Derby.
