A George update..... always good to hear a little good news.
O'Brien happy with Washington's progress
GEORGE WASHINGTON, who misses Royal Ascot after suffering a setback when second to Araafa in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, might be ridden out later this week for the first time since his Curragh defeat, according to trainer Aidan O'Brien.
A muscle injury above the hip was diagnosed two days after the brilliant 2,000 Guineas winner had been beaten by Araafa, who contests Tuesday’s St James's Palace Stakes, on heavy ground at The Curragh.
While it is too soon to predict a possible return to action date for George Washington, O'Brien indicated that the colt's recovery is progressing.
O'Brien said: "George Washington is coming along and is back driving. He might be ridden out towards the end of this week, so we will have to wait and see."
Regarding Ballydoyle's challenge for the Budweiser Irish Derby a week on Sunday, O'Brien added: "It is too soon to say what horses we will run in the Irish Derby, but Dylan Thomas, Mountain and Puerto Rico are all possibles at this stage."
Dylan Thomas finished a close third behind Sir Percy and Dragon Dancer in the Vodafone Derby in whichMountain finished eighth while Puerto Rico signalled that he was ready for a step up in class when landing the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes by an eased-down four lengths at The Curragh last month.
No firm plans have been decided for Alexandrova, the impressive six-length winner of the Vodafone Oaks. O'Brien said: "Obviously we will look at the Darley Irish Oaks for her, but nothing definite had been decided. We will wait and see."