Middle Park up next for Aidan O’Brien’s youngster.
Aidan O’Brien’s rising star, Ides of March, enhanced his growing reputation with a dominant performance in the Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh. The talented colt displayed his class with a comprehensive victory in the Group Three contest, further solidifying his place among the season’s top juveniles.
The journey to this success has not been without its challenges. Ides of March made a modest debut in June, finishing fourth in his first start. He then suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of his stablemate, The Lion In Winter, during his second outing. However, that loss became less of a setback when The Lion In Winter went on to claim the Acomb Stakes at York, highlighting the level of competition within O’Brien’s formidable stable.
Ides of March finally broke his maiden over six furlongs at the Curragh earlier in the month, and O’Brien made the decision to stick to the sprint distance for this latest assignment. The choice paid off handsomely. With Ryan Moore in the saddle, the 2-5 favourite delivered a supremely confident ride, traveling smoothly through the early stages before asserting his dominance in the final two furlongs.
As Ides of March crossed the finish line, he had left his rivals trailing in his wake, winning by an impressive three-and-a-quarter lengths over Usdi Atohi, with Rudi's Apple nearly two lengths further back in third. The performance was not only emphatic but also a statement of intent as O’Brien looks ahead to the rest of the season with this powerful juvenile.
Eyes on the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes
Following the victory, O’Brien revealed that Ides of March holds several autumn entries, but he has identified the prestigious Group One Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on September 28 as a likely next target for the colt. The Middle Park is one of the most highly anticipated juvenile races of the season, and based on his latest performance, Ides of March will be a formidable contender.
"He was professional and grew up a lot from the last day," O’Brien remarked after the race. "I’m delighted, and we’ll look at the Middle Park with him now. He’s a powerful, fast horse, and he finds it easy to go quick. He’s big, and he’s strong."
O’Brien’s comments highlight not only the physical attributes of Ides of March but also his maturity, which has clearly developed since his earlier races. The colt’s ability to handle different conditions will be a key factor as he moves forward in his career, and his pedigree—by Wootton Bassett—suggests that he can handle both soft and firm ground with ease.
"He was going very easy through the race before Ryan started to let him go," O’Brien continued. "I think he’s versatile, ground-wise. Wootton Bassetts handle soft ground as well, and he handles fast ground very easily. He’s a very good mover."
Aidan O’Brien’s Latest Star
For O’Brien, Ides of March represents another exciting prospect in what is already a stellar stable of juveniles this season. The master trainer has a long history of producing top-class two-year.
The Rise of a Potential Champion
The story of Ides of March is one of steady progression and calculated training decisions. O’Brien’s handling of the colt has been nothing short of masterful, allowing him to mature and develop at his own pace. The decision to keep him at sprint distances for now seems to be paying off, as he continues to show a natural affinity for speed and precision.
What stands out most about Ides of March is his versatility—an essential quality for any horse aiming for the top. Whether the ground is soft or firm, the colt’s ability to adapt and thrive will be crucial as he takes on tougher competition in the coming months. With the Middle Park Stakes on the horizon, it’s clear that Ides of March is only just beginning to tap into his full potential.
"The mare (his dam Nickname) was a very good mare in America (Grade One winner)."
