Powerful Wootton Bassett Colt Impresses On Debut

Brussels (2c Wootton Bassett – Fond Words, by Shamardal) shaped like a smart prospect when justifying strong support in the opening six-furlong maiden on Irish 2,000 Guineas day.

The Ballydoyle-trained newcomer was partnered by Ryan Moore, as were the last two winners; subsequent Group 1 scorers Henri Matisse (Wootton Bassett) and Unquestionable (Wootton Bassett). Chasing the leader in the early stages, Brussels was asked to quicken after the two-furlong pole and ridden to lead inside the final furlong. The Coolmore and Westerberg-owned colt ran on well to beat stablemate Kansas (Wootton Bassett) by three parts of a length, with another length and a quarter back to the third.

“Ryan said Brussels was very babyish,” O’Brien later revealed. “He's never been away and will come forward a lot for it. All these horses are running with Ascot in mind but Ryan said it might come too quick because he was so babyish. We'll see how much he comes on. He said he'd have no problem getting seven; he's a massive, big, powerful horse.”

The son of Wootton Bassett was bred by Haras Des Trois Chapelles.