Aidan O’Brien Takes Aim at £100,000 Woodford Reserve Cardinal Stakes as Eight Declare for Saturday

This Saturday, eyes will be fixated on the valuable Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes, set to unfold over a thrilling mile. With a generous purse of £100,000 and £51,540 awarded to the victor, this race not only promises excitement but significant stakes as it plays a pivotal role in the European Road to the Kentucky Derby. The winner of this illustrious event is poised to secure a coveted spot in the 150th Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs in May.

This year’s race has attracted a field of eight high-calibre declarations from 16 entries, including two runners from Ireland. The international interest underscores the race’s growing status as a critical stepping stone to American Classic glory from European challengers.

We’re thrilled that this race continues to improve in quality year-on-year and we’re looking forward to a really great race that is made evermore exciting now being staged on ITV1.

Highlighting the field is the highly-rated Capulet, trained by the Derby-record-holder, trainer, Aidan O’Brien. Boasting a rating of 109, Capulet has demonstrated formidable prowess on the track, notably securing a third-place finish in the esteemed Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Gr.2). This entrant’s commendable performance in two Group 2 events has marked him as a horse to watch in the upcoming race and is currently 33/1 for the BetFred Derby. Capulet is the first horse from team Ballydoyle to run at Chelmsford City since the same contest in 2019 and they enlisted their number one rider Ryan Moore to secure victory.

The acclaimed father-son training duo of John & Thady Gosden have selected Al Shaqab Racing’s Orne to compete for one of Chelmsford City’s biggest prizes of the year. Orne brings considerable excitement to the contest and is another potential Classic-winner in the making, holding an entry for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Adding further depth to the field is Karl Burke’s Cuban Tiger, a winner at the Listed level in the Burradon Stakes at Newcastle against Orne, he adds further prestige and competition to the lineup, which already promises a race filled with talent and excitement.

An emerging star from the stable of the up-and-coming Irish trainer, Jack Davison, Bergamasco has already made waves on the all-weather circuit at Dundalk, capturing two victories this year, including a triumphant run in the Patton Stakes. His consistency and proven track record on All-Weather surfaces make him a formidable contender.

Adding to the intrigue is Richard Hannon’s Blue Lemons, Hugo Palmer’s Under The Sun, Ben Brokehouse’s Rehot Whisper and possibly the most interesting, Brackens Laugh from Richard Hughes. Having stepped up to Group 1 level in France on just his second-ever start, the colt remains an unknown entity.

The Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes not only offers a lucrative prize but serves as a critical juncture for aspirants of the Kentucky Derby, drawing attention from across the globe. With such a diverse and talented field, this year’s race is set to be a highlight of Chelmsford City’s racing calendar, capturing the imagination of fans and enthusiasts alike.

In another exciting turn of events the race will now be shown live on ITV1 for followers across the country to enjoy. For more information about tickets and final opportunities for hospitality, please click here.