So You Think primed for Tattersalls Gold Cup

Australian superstar So You Think is all set to bid for his first Group 1 victory in Europe at the Curragh on Sunday where his commanding presence in the Tattersalls Gold Cup has already scared off many of the anticipated opposition, writes Elliot Slater.

The horse who won a stunning four Group 1 races in the space of six week over nine and ten furlongs in his homeland last autumn, and then went on to carry a big weight into an excellent third place in the two-mile Melbourne Cup on his first attempt beyond a mile-and-a-quarter, is already being spoken of in near reverential tones by those in the know around Ballydoyle. There appears to be a belief at trainer Aidan O'Brien's yard that the son of High Chaparral could potentially be close to the very best horse to pass through their hands, a massive compliment when one thinks of the likes of Galileo, Dylan Thomas, Rip Van Winkle, and Henrythenavigator, to name but a few.

So You Think had reportedly acclimatised remarkably quickly following his journey to Ireland from the southern hemisphere as evidenced by his 10-length stroll to victory in the Group 3 High Chaparral EBF Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh at the start of this month where, far from fully wound up, he slammed decent opposition to give European race fans a hint of what might well be to come this term. Those following the horse racing odds would certainly have been impressed.

Sunday's race will see So You Think partnered by Ryan Moore, who travels to the Curragh in preference to partnering the globe-trotting money-spinner Presvis in Singapore, a big hint in itself. Of the 10 five-day declarations, O'Brien is responsible for six, including recent Chester winner Await The Dawn and the classy Jan Vermeer, while Dermot Weld may run Famous Name, and Godolphin could be represented by Campanologist, winner of two Group 1's last summer.