Alpha only at the beginning of promising career

It perhaps comes as little surprise that one of Aidan O’Brien’s two-year-olds is already heading the market for next year’s Classics, but anticipation is growing after Alpha hinted at top-class potential with an eyecatching display at the Curragh on Sunday.

Sporting the famous silks of the Niarchos family, the impeccably bred daughter of Sea The Stars is out of Jessica Harrington’s four-time Group One winner Alpha Centauri.

Although narrowly held on a debut full of encouragement at Leopardstown, Alpha left little to chance on her second start, making all for a highly impressive six-length romp and a performance that saw her installed as short as 7-1 for both of next year’s 1000 Guineas and Oaks.

“She showed plenty of ability on debut at Leopardstown and it was great to see that confirmed on Sunday, she looks a very exciting prospect,” said Alan Cooper, racing manager to the Niarchos family’s Flaxman Stables who own Alpha alongside the Coolmore partners.

“It’s a super family that goes back to when we raced Miesque back in the 1980s and a family that keeps giving with every generation.

“It’s always good for morale to have an exciting prospect. Where she goes next will very much be Aidan’s decision as well as the co-owners, but she will have plenty of options.

“She’s a very nice filly and hopefully there is plenty to look forward to.”

There are also high hopes for the rapidly-improving Enceladus, who looks destined for deeper waters following his King George V Stakes triumph at Royal Ascot.

This time trained by Joseph O’Brien, his handler mentioned him as a possible Group-level performer and St Leger candidate in the making following his win at the Royal meeting and while plans are still to be finalised, the colt’s reassessment from the handicapper combined with his Ascot display gives plenty of cause for optimism.

“He’s a very nice horse who showed a lot of class, I thought, at Royal Ascot,” continued Cooper.

“Joseph is working on a plan with him and he went up 10lb in the ratings which gives a good indication of what direction he could be heading in.

“I imagine that the next race will decide if a race like the St Leger would be likely or not as he has not run in a black-type race yet and we need to take it step by step.

“But Joseph will make a call on where the colt heads next in due course.”