HAVING a leading chance in a Group 1 is an enviable position to be in, but it comes with plenty of pressure, as Michael O’Callaghan can attest to ahead of Celeron’s run in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (4.00) at the Curragh on Sunday.

“I’m quite nervous,” he admitted when speaking to The Irish Field on Friday. “He’s a very, very good horse; he’s a real live one, and it probably shows how much I think of him that I’m nervous this far out, but I’m looking forward to it and very happy with the horse. Hopefully, we get a bit of luck on the day.”

The Mohaather colt earned a rating of 112 for his Railway Stakes success and attracted the attentions of prospective buyers, with Medallion Racing and Steve Weston subsequently joining the existing partnership of Eleanor Kennedy, Aurelija Kupryte and Marian Fleming.

On Celeron bringing new owners into the yard, O’Callaghan said: “That’s what good horses tend to do, and we’re just very lucky to have this horse. Hopefully, he’s lucky for the new partners and for everybody else that’s involved.”

Mark McStay, who struck the deal on behalf of the US owners, relayed from Saratoga: “Steve Weston from Parkland Thoroughbreds and Philip Shelton from Medallion Racing were both very impressed by Celeron when he won the Railway Stakes, and we’d seen him when he won his maiden at the Curragh.

“We were very fortunate that we were able to come to the agreement with Michael and his existing owners to buy 50% of the horse, and we’re very grateful to them for the opportunity.”

Big future

While Sunday’s engagement is exciting, McStay explains that connections are very much focussed on the future.

“He’s a horse who looks like he’s just going to get better and better as time goes on,” he said. “He’s in the Phoenix over six furlongs, but I think we’d envision him stepping up in trip in due course, and Michael’s previously indicated that.

“All reports are that the horse in great shape, and we’re looking forward to Sunday. Michael’s a guy we’ve a lot of lot of faith in; he’s a very good trainer, he’s got a top-class team and a state-of-the-art facility. Fingers crossed it all goes well.”

The Breeders’ Cup has been mentioned by O’Callaghan as a potential target, and it’s a meeting that his new owners enjoyed success last year, when Balantina landed the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf for Donnacha O’Brien.

The Ten Sovereigns filly finished a fine fifth in the Coronation Stakes on her seasonal return and went on to take third in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket. The Matron Stakes is next on the agenda for the Grade 1 winner, McStay reports.

“She ran really well in Royal Ascot after a long lay-up, and she ran a very credible third in the what looks like a very strong renewal of the Falmouth. The winner and the second have since been first and second in the Rothschild.

“I believe Donnacha is aiming her for the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown, but that’ll be his decision in conjunction with the owners. She’s been a star for us, and having a Group 1 filly like her is just a dream.”