Aidan O’Brien’s promising colt, Twain, has emerged as a contender for next year’s 2000 Guineas after a remarkable victory in the Group 1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud. Following his impressive debut win just eight days earlier, the son of Wootton Bassett exceeded expectations, leading a field that included stablemate Mount Kilimanjaro (second) and Joseph O’Brien’s Apples And Bananas (third).
O’Brien praised the colt’s potential, noting, “He’s a very good horse, and Ryan [Moore] managed him brilliantly, especially given his inexperience.” Moore’s guidance allowed Twain to settle into the race, making his move at the right moment, despite showing some greenness late on. “He’s got a lovely low action and a big engine,” O’Brien added, expressing confidence in Twain’s prospects as a Guineas horse.
Following Twain’s win, bookmakers adjusted his odds for the 2000 Guineas, with Unibet placing him at 8-1 for next year’s Classic.
The O’Brien family enjoyed further success as Joseph O’Brien’s Tennessee Stud claimed victory in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, proving his stamina over 10 furlongs in testing conditions. With the colt likely aimed at next year’s Derby, O’Brien remarked on his resilience, saying, “His attitude and will to win are extraordinary, even in tough going.”
The Saint-Cloud victories solidified a stellar day for the O’Brien family, with hopes high for both colts in next season’s premier races.