Storm Boy, once among Australia’s most exciting juveniles, will kick off his European campaign from the widest gate in the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh, set to jump just after midnight Sunday AEST.

The former Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt, now under the care of Irish legend Aidan O’Brien, will launch from barrier nine in the 1207m feature, his first appearance since finishing eighth in The Everest last October.

Storm Boy, a son of Justify, dazzled as a two-year-old, winning the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and placing in the Golden Slipper. His new connections are using the Greenlands Stakes as a stepping stone to the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

In The Everest, he was beaten under two lengths by Bella Nipotina and earned a Timeform rating of 119, slightly above his previous best of 118 recorded when winning the San Domenico Stakes last campaign.

That performance puts him level with his top-rated rival in the Greenlands, Lethal Levi, while other threats include My Mate Alfie, Iberian, and Grand Grey—all proven at stakes level.

None of the Greenlands contenders are rated under $21 for the Jubilee, making the race a key form guide for Storm Boy’s Royal Ascot ambitions. He is currently an $8 chance in the Jubilee with leading UK betting sites, trailing Lazzat in early markets.

Ryan Moore, who partnered Storm Boy in the Golden Slipper, reunites with him for Saturday’s feature, which is scheduled for 12:05am AEST.