English/Ire
Royal Ascot - Day 3: O’Brien hoping Illinois can step up in Gold Cup bid
Aidan O'Brien is hoping that Illinois can fill the big shoes left void by Kyprios’ retirement in the Ascot Gold Cup on Thursday.
A winner of the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester's May meeting, Illinois will step into unknown territory as he goes up in trip to try and emulate some of the Ballydoyle greats in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
The stage had been set for Kyprios for continue his domination of the staying division following two victories in Ireland this season, but he was forced to be retired from racing with connections opting not to take any chances after he suffered a setback following his final outing.
That left Illinois in pole position to head to Royal Ascot, with O'Brien hopeful that he can successfully play the role as super sub.
O'Brien will be looking to land the Thursday feature for the tenth time having saddled the likes of Yeats, Fame And Glory, Leading Light, Order Of St George and Kyprios to victory in recent years.
"Everything has gone well so far, and we always thought he was a horse who could step into the role of a Gold Cup horse," said the master of Ballydoyle.
"We thought he could do that next year, and he was standing in line behind Kyprios, but he's had his run, and it went well.
"We have always thought he would stay the trip, but it's not until you go past the quarter (mile) pole in the Gold Cup that you find out."
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