Aidan O’Brien has revealed French 2000 Guineas star The Gurkha is now set to race in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Galileo colt was initially lined up for the Investec Derby, but following last weekend’s impressive win at Deauville, O’Brien is looking to pitch him in against his fellow three-year-olds in the Berkshire mile outing.
O’Brien is also poised to move Air Force Blue back in distance for the Commonwealth Cup following his disappointing performance in the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Saturday.
O’Brien said: “I’m not sure, but I’d imagine we’re looking at Ascot (for The Gurkha).
“We felt that what happened (to Air Force Blue at the Curragh) could happen and it did. We’ve always felt that he (The Gurkha) could then switch in for that (St James’s Palace).
“The other horse could come back to six furlongs. He wanted to go fast on Saturday and I’ve no doubt he didn’t stay.
“He’s a fast horse. We’ll discuss it, but he’s more than likely going to go for the six-furlong race (Commonwealth Cup).”
