Aidan O’Brien’s colt Benvenuto Cellini is set to contest the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday, marking a shift in plans following a contentious run at the Epsom Derby last weekend. Initially anticipated to target the Irish Derby, the colt’s connections have opted for the Ascot race amid concerns about the ground conditions at Leopardstown.

O’Brien explained that fatigue over the going potentially being too soft for Benvenuto Cellini at the Irish Derby played a key role in the decision. “There’s a good chance he could run in the King Edward. We have to see how he is in the coming days,” the trainer said. He added that preparations for the colt are being planned with the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in mind, indicating a longer-term strategy for the horse’s summer campaign.

Benvenuto Cellini’s recent participation in the Derby was notable, not only for his performance but also for a related non-runner controversy at Epsom, which garnered significant attention. Despite that, O’Brien remains confident in the colt’s prospects moving forward.

Royal Ascot is shaping up to be another strong meeting for O’Brien as he pursues his 100th winner at the prestigious event, currently sitting on 96 victories. The trainer boasts several leading contenders across the Tuesday card, including Confucius and Great Barrier Reef in the Coventry Stakes, as well as Gstaad and Puerto Rico in the St James’s Palace Stakes.

Jockey Ryan Moore, frequently associated with O’Brien, is also in a strong position to claim top jockey honors at the meeting, holding odds of 1-3. Meanwhile, O’Brien himself is favored at 1-5 to be the leading trainer, underscoring the dominance he and his team continue to exert at Royal Ascot.