JOSEPH O’Brien appears sweet on the chances of Apples And Bananas and Tennessee Stud as they each step into Group 1 company at Saint-Cloud on Sunday.

The former shaped like the return to a mile in the Criterium International would suit when rallying to the line in the Goffs Million, a view shared by the person who knows him best. “He’s been progressive and consistent,” O’Brien told The Irish Field on Friday. “He steps right up in class, in what looks a very good race, but we’re hoping for a good run from him. We think he’ll enjoy going back up to a mile.”

Six line up for the race, while the preceding Criterium de Saint-Cloud has attracted just four. Joseph O’Brien is represented by Tennessee Stud, who finished a game second to Hotazhell last time in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes, so Saturday’s feature at Doncaster should prove informative regarding Tennessee Stud’s form.

“Hopefully he goes well,” his trainer commented. “He’s stepping back up in distance after a good run in the Beresford. He’s versatile when it comes to going, it’s a small field, and we think he has a real live chance.”

Joining the pair at Saint-Cloud is the five-year-old mare Dancing Tango, who aims to pick up further blacktype in the Group 3 Prix Belle de Nuit. On the previous listed winner, O’Brien remarked: “This is probably the last opportunity in Group 3 level for her against fillies. She’s versatile going-wise, as well, so hopefully she gets more blacktype.”

Italian job

Italy wouldn’t have immediately sprung to mind for Trustyourinstinct after J.P. McManus’s progressive four-year-old won a Group 3 in good style during the Irish Champions Festival, but on the Group 2 Premio Roma Italian Champion, O’Brien reasoned: “It’s good prize money.

“Obviously, he is a Group 3 winner last time, so it makes sense to step up to Group 2 level, and it just fitted into his programme. It’s a competitive race, but we think he has a live chance.”

McDonogh is booked to partner both Trustyourinstinct and stablemate Je Zous, she contesting the Group 2 Premio Lydia Tesio. She has a similar profile, having won a Group 3 last time out.

“It’s her last run for us before she heads to Australia,” her trainer revealed. She’s been a model of consistency and a star for us this season. It was great that she won her group race last time and it would be even better if we could finish on the Group 2 win, or even a place would be good.”