Darley’s John O’Shea has never been so busy, but not too busy to notice the physical improvement Ghibellines has made since his spell, reports Racing Network. The magnificently bred half-brother to now-retired champion filly Guelph, has returned to the Warwick Farm stables of Darley after having spelled since running a respectable eighth in the Golden Slipper Stakes behind Mossfun.
The son of Shamardal and Camarilla showed glimpses of serious raw talent during his two-year-old days, with an impressive win in the Group 2 $300,000 Todman Stakes (1200m) the highlight result of his season.
Speaking with Racing Network, O’Shea said the quaintly-named Ghibellines (the Guelphs and Ghibellines were rival factions in Italy during the 12th and 13th centuries) had made significant improvement during his spell.
“He looks to have really come on,” O’Shea said. “He is definitely a Caulfield Guineas horse in the stable,” he added.
Ghibellines raced five times as a two-year-old – every time at Listed or Group level and O’Shea suspects he’s the real deal.
“He’ll be trained for the best three-year-old races,” he added.