Aidan O’Brien horses are famed for being well-backed in the lead up to a big race but one of his fillies that has attracted significant support this week is probably not the one most people think.
O’Brien saddles ante-post favourite Rhododendron in the fillies’ Classic on Sunday and she heads the betting at a general 2/1 for the one mile, Group One event.
However, in recent days, a flood of money has come for stable companion Winter, who is now a general 8/1 shot with most firms having been available to back at around 33/1 earlier in the week.
Winter, a daughter of Galileo, was second to stable mate and fellow 1000 Guineas entry Hydrangea (12/1) in a 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown in April by a head, having stayed on powerfully in the closing stages having been poorly positioned from a wide draw.
The market support has intensified this week and she is now the general fourth favourite for the 1000 Guineas. On form, she looks to have a decent each-way chance and O’Brien is a master at readying the unexposed for this event. O’Brien said:
We’ve been happy with Winter and the plan is to send her and Hydrangea with Rhododendron on Sunday.
