It was a classic Aidan O’Brien Sunday service. Ryan Moore, looking as focused as a man trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in a hurricane, steered home a clinical treble.
• Accredited: Got the ball rolling in the 7f maiden, proving that even early in the season, a Ballydoyle favorite is often just a winner in waiting.
• Causeway: Emulated the great Paddington by taking the Madrid Handicap. He showed the kind of grit that suggests he’ll be a household name by Royal Ascot.
• Drop Dead Gorgeous: Lived up to the name (and the pedigree, being a half-sister to Gleneagles) by taking the fillies’ maiden with the kind of “green but gifted” performance that Aidan loves to refine into Group 1 gold.
Like Father, Like Son
While Aidan was busy conquering the maidens, Joseph O’Brien was ensuring the family trophy cabinet remains overcrowded. Joseph secured a classy double on the card:
1. Beset: Dominated the feature Devoy Stakes (Listed), leading home a stable one-two. She clearly enjoyed the “juice” in the ground, making all the running under Declan McDonogh.
2. Hardy Warrior: Put the exclamation point on the day by taking the conditions finale, proving the O’Brien dominance is a multi-generational affair.
While the O’Briens were busy turning the flat season opener at Naas into a private family garden party, the jumps fans were treated to some proper mud-splattering action at Limerick and Downpatrick.
If Naas was about the “silk and speed” of the summer to come, the jumps were a gritty reminder that winter isn’t quite finished with us yet.
Sunday’s Jumps Roundup (March 22)
Limerick: The Mullins Machine Humms
While Ballydoyle dominates the turf, Closutton rules the obstacles. Willie Mullins and Paul Townend didn’t let the O’Briens have all the Sunday glory.
• Dani Donadoni (2/5f) made the Maiden Hurdle look like a morning piece of work, coasting home by 8.5 lengths.
• Krabat landed the handicap chase for Michael McDonagh, showing plenty of heart to fending off Caesar Rock.
• Baby Kate (1/1f) continued the Mullins dominance by taking the mares’ bumper, giving the bookies another headache.
Monday’s Look Ahead: March 23, 2026
If you’re looking to follow the money (or the form) for Monday’s action at Wincanton, Kempton, and Wolverhampton, here are the Timeform highlights and the “travellers” to watch.
The “Travellers” (On the Move)
• Caspari (14:30 Kempton): Nicky Henderson’s charge travels from Seven Barrows with high expectations after a promising win last time out.
• Loustic Du Chatel (14:00 Kempton): A front-running threat from the Harry Fry yard who has been knocking on the door in much tougher company.
• He’s A Latchico (16:40 Kempton): Gary Moore sends this one on a mission; has the profile of a horse still ahead of the handicapper on the flat/turf transition.
• Molly Marine (Wolves 17:25): A fascinating handicap debutant; the market signal will be crucial here.
Monday’s Top Rated
• 14:30 Kempton – Fountains Blenheim
• Rating: 124
• The clear form pick here. After a rock-solid second at Taunton, this looks like the perfect opportunity to go one better.
• 14:45 Wincanton – Jatiluwih
• Rating: 135
• The “old boy” of the race at 12 years old, but his recent run showed the fire still burns. Form-wise, he towers over this field.
• 17:25 Wolverhampton – Molly Marine
• Rating: 82 (p)
• The “(p)” denotes improvement is expected. Making her handicap debut off a modest mark, she’s the one the “smart money” is whispering about.
• 19.00 Wolverhampton – Hard To Believe
• Rating: 98
• Andrew Balding’s runner is the highest-rated on the night card and looks significantly more progressive than his rivals.
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