Aussie owners eye Epsom Derby dream with James J Braddock

Prominent Victorian owner Ozzie Kheir has another emerging overseas staying prospect on his hands after James J Braddock captured the Group 3 Irish Derby Trial at Leopardstown Racecourse.

Kheir and his partners purchased a significant share in the James J Braddock after the Zarak colt impressed with a maiden victory at the Curragh in November, as connections began identifying him as a potential future Caulfield and Melbourne Cup contender.

Prepared by Joseph O’Brien, James J Braddock improved sharply from a first-up fifth placing in a Leopardstown Group 3 on April 12 to record his second win from four career starts.

Sent out at 9/1, James J Braddock displayed determination befitting his heavyweight boxing namesake when he surged late to defeat the odds-on favourite Pierre Bonnard, who is trained by Aidan O’Brien.

Joseph O’Brien indicated the colt would now be aimed towards next month’s Epsom Derby.

“This is going to be a horse who hopefully will turn up in top international races through the course of his career, and today was a big step forward,” O’Brien said.