Vermeer possible for Curragh return

Aidan O'Brien outlined plans for some of his stable stars following the victory of Midas Touch at Leopardstown today.

Jan Vermeer, impressive winner of the Criterium on his final start last season could return to action in the Irish 2,000 Guineas while St Nicholas Abbey is about to start his build up to the Epsom Derby.

The yard had a bad day at Lingfield yesterday when Captain James Cook broke down in the Derby Trial and O'Brien said:-

"John was very happy that he would have been in the first two with the horse yesterday.

"Rocket Man came home lame behind (after the Chester Vase) while the other horse (Dance On By in Cheshire Oaks) might not have stayed.

"I was very happy with Age Of Aquarius (in the Ormonde Stakes). It was a lovely run first time. He's a big horse who would prefer it faster.

"If Jan Vermeer is going to go to Epsom he would have a run beforehand, probably in the Irish Guineas.

"He could go to the French Derby, however, without a run."

"St Nicholas Abbey seems well and his build up will start this week.

"(Dante entry) Cape Blanco cut his heel this morning doing a canter but I don't think it's anything. He's going to need the run as well."