Tag Archive for: Irish Champions Festival

Bedtime Story out to write her next chapter in the Moyglare Stud Stakes

/in /by

Bedtime Story puts her unbeaten record and huge reputation on the line in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

A daughter of Frankel out of the dual Nunthorpe heroine Mecca’s Angel, Aidan O’Brien’s filly has so far lived up to her regal breeding with four successive wins including a sensational nine-and-a-half-length victory against the boys in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.

She had to work harder than many expected on her most recent outing in the Debutante Stakes, scoring by just half a length as the 1-16 favourite, but O’Brien is confident she will be seen in a better light when she steps up to Group One level for the first time this weekend.

“We’re happy with her and we didn’t want to give her a grueller the last day,” he said.

“She’s a big, high tempo filly – that’s what she is. When the tempo is strong and hard, she only really kicks in after the two furlong marker and it never really kicked in at all at the Curragh.

“We didn’t want to do that to her (give her a hard race) before the Moyglare.”

The ante-post favourite for both the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks, Bedtime Story is just one of several high-class juvenile fillies residing at Ballydoyle this year.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien at York
Trainer Aidan O’Brien at York (Mike Egerton/PA)

Her opponents on Sunday include two stablemates in Exactly and Lake Victoria, with the latter also protecting an unbeaten record after following up a debut success over this course and distance with a Group Three triumph in Newmarket’s Sweet Solera Stakes.

Fairy Godmother, not seen since charging home to win the Albany at Royal Ascot, is another name to conjure with ahead of a crucial stage of the season.

“They seem a nice team of fillies. Lake Victoria is in the Moyglare as well and Fairy Godmother goes to the Cheveley Park (at Newmarket on September 28),” O’Brien added.

Ollie Sangster’s Simmering was second to Fairy Godmother at the Royal meeting and has since won the Group Three Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot and a Group Two in France.

“She deserves to take her place and has been in very good form since Deauville,” said Sangster.

“Naturally it is a very competitive race as you would expect, but we think she deserves to be there and we would like to think she has a nice chance.

“The step up to seven furlongs really suited her at Deauville and she was strong through the line. It will hopefully be nice ground there on Sunday which will help.

“It’s my first runner in Ireland and just my second in a Group One, so we’re looking forward to it.”

The Ger Lyons-trained Red Letter was beaten a head by Lake Victoria on her introduction and confirmed that promise with a dominant display at this track in July.

Red Letter was an impressive winner on her second start at the Curragh
Red Letter was an impressive winner on her second start at the Curragh (Niall Carson/PA)

Barry Mahon, racing manager for owners Juddmonte, said: “I would say (a lack of) experience would be the worry for her as she’s only had two starts whereas some of the main protagonists have had three, four or even five runs.

“That has to be a bit of a concern jumping into a Group One, but we feel she is a nice filly and the form of her two maidens is pretty good. We would like to think she’s a filly who could improve even further next year, but if she could finish in the three and run well it will be a good result.

“Bedtime Story was outstanding in Ascot and won nicely in the end the last day so she looks a high-class filly to be fair, and Ollie Sangster’s filly looked very good in France, so it’s a high-class renewal. Numerically there might not be many runners, but there are some nice fillies.”

The juvenile colts get their chance to shine in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes, with O’Brien fielding the unbeaten hot favourite Henri Matisse, as well as Rock Of Cashel and The Parthenon.

Charlie Appleby has saddled three of the last six winners of the Group One contest in Quorto (2018), Pinatubo (2019) and Native Trail (2021) and has this year supplemented the impressive Vintage Stakes winner Aomori City.

Speaking on the Godolphin website, the Moulton Paddocks handler said: “Aomori City brings a nice profile into this and has earned his chance at this level on the back of his Vintage Stakes win.

“We felt there was marked improvement with the step up to seven furlongs at Goodwood and he deserves to be respected.”

Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven is another British challenger, while the home team also includes Joseph O’Brien’s French Group Three winner Cowardofthecounty and Adrian Murray’s Hill Road, who made a huge impression on his debut at Leopardstown a month ago.

Hill road impressed on debut
Hill Road impressed on debut (PA)

Murray said: “It’s a big step up for him, but at home he looks a very, very good horse and his work is very good.

“We were going to go for the Group Two at Leopardstown on Saturday but Kia (Joorabchian, owner) was very keen to go for the Group One so we’ll give it a go and hopefully he will be good enough.

“He was very good first time at Leopardstown and I would say he has improved again. He has done some very good pieces of work since.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Fallen Angel back in search of more Group One gold in Ireland

/in /by

James Doyle will sport the Wathnan silks aboard Fallen Angel for the first time as Karl Burke’s Classic heroine aims to continue her Irish love affair in the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

The Karl Burke-trained daughter of Dark Angel has tasted defeat just twice in her six-race career and both of her victories at the highest level have come when crossing the Irish Sea.

A winner on this weekend in the Moyglare Stud Stakes as a two-year-old, she recovered from being beaten in the 1000 Guineas to claim the Curragh equivalent in decisive fashion in her most recent appearance.

She suffered a setback following that triumph which saw her miss both the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and the height of summer, but she returns with new ownership to her name in the shape of the Emir of Qatar’s racing operation.

“We’re very much looking forward to seeing her running in the Wathnan colours,” said Wathnan’s racing adviser Richard Brown.

“She’s been off the track a long time and it’s a big ask going up against that calibre of opposition after time off, but Karl reports her to be in great shape.

“Karl is a top-class trainer and top-class guy. He’s done a superb job for Wathnan this year and we’re delighted to add this filly to the team.”

While Fallen Angel was on the sidelines, Porta Fortuna has established herself as the leading performer in the division, winning at both Royal Ascot and the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.

Donnacha O’Brien’s stable star is reunited with Tom Marquand as she seeks a third a third straight Group One victory which could set up an exciting return to the Breeders’ Cup later in the year.

Porta Fortuna and Tom Marquand combined to win at Royal Ascot
Porta Fortuna and Tom Marquand combined to win at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

Marquand said: “She’s been faultless, not just this season but throughout, and she’s a very good filly.

“She’s an exciting filly and it’s great to be getting back on board her. It’s a very good race, but it’s Irish Champions Weekend and a Group One and the races are as they’re supposed to be. I wish they were a bit easier!”

Ylang Ylang spent last winter being talked about as a Classic prospect having ended her two-year-old campaign as a Group One winner.

However, things have not gone to plan so far this term for Aidan O’Brien’s daughter of Frankel.

“We rode her very gently the last day because we were very conscious that she was just about ready to run,” explained O’Brien.

Ylang Ylang is yet to hit her straps this term
Ylang Ylang is yet to hit her straps this term (Nigel French/PA)

“The race wasn’t fast so it never really opened up and Ryan (Moore) kind of floated her home when that happened because he was never going to get in the race.

“She could go to the fillies’ race on Arc weekend and we’re thinking about America, but over a mile the next day will be different – we’ll ride her more positively and forward.”

Willie McCreery will saddle both his French 1000 Guineas third Vespertilio – second to Fallen Angel in the Moyglare last year – and the unbeaten Jancis who has twice shown a devastating turn of foot in her two outings.

Both of Jancis’ victories have come at the Dublin track, with her handler hoping her local knowledge can combat a lack of experience.

McCreery said: “It’s a huge step for Jancis and you would love to have more experience into her and if it was a different track you would be worried. However, it’s the same track she’s run on so she will know where she is, she seems in great form and will love that quicker ground.

“Billy (Lee) has opted for Vespertilio and he thinks the more toughened, harder filly might suit, but he doesn’t know if he has made the right choice either.

“I hate running two horses against each other – especially ones of their quality. If there was a fillies’ Group One over seven furlongs I would split them up, but when the races are on your doorstep you have to take your chance and it’s a great weekend of racing.”

Also testing her mettle at the highest level is George Boughey’s Royal Ascot heroine Soprano’ who thrived for a change of tactics when returning to winning ways at Deauville last month.

Billy Loughnane has enjoyed plenty of good days with the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing-owned filly, who despite a tricky draw to overcome, deserves the opportunity to race in this grade.

Billy Loughnane and George Boughey celebrate Soprano's Royal Ascot victory
Billy Loughnane and George Boughey celebrate Soprano’s Royal Ascot victory (John Walton/PA)

Boughey said: “Soprano was impressive under new tactics in France. The draw is not ideal, but we’re looking forward to seeing her back up at the top grade.

“It is obviously a very hot race, but she deserves her place in this field. She’s a Royal Ascot winner and now a Group Three winner and I think physically she is the best she’s ever looked. This won’t be the end for her and we’re also looking forward to seeing her again as a four-year-old next year.”

Joseph O’Brien’s Rogue Millennium was second to Tahiyra in this when trained by Tom Clover 12 months ago and arrives having finished third behind Porta Fortuna in the Falmouth and then the Prix Rothschild most recently.

Adrian Murray’s Magical Sunset and Mammas Girl, along with Ger Lyons’ Wendla, complete the field.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Marquand ‘extremely excited’ to take major Economics test

/in /by

It will take a special horse to end Aidan O’Brien’s stranglehold on the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, but Tom Marquand is “extremely excited” to partner the imposing Economics when he faces the acid test of his credentials on Saturday.

William Haggas’ Night Of Thunder colt confirmed the promise of his dazzling Dante Stakes with a polished performance in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville.

Economics now takes the leap into both deep waters and enemy territory for the Leopardstown feature, with big-race pilot Marquand relishing what will be the toughest assignment of his mount’s career so far.

Marquand said: “I’m extremely excited, this has been the plan for a little while. France was obviously going to be the deciding factor if this stayed the plan or changed, but he won very well in Deauville and looked as good as we were all hoping he would be.

“I felt he was a lot more mature and he felt more effective in his stride. When he was motoring up to the line he was still extending, whereas at York once he got into top gear he was having a little wobble around and was quite immature still.

“Hopefully he will have taken another step forward from France, which I think he will have done, and there’s not much else to say other than it’s exciting and given us all something great to look forward to.”

He went on: “I’ve been lucky to ride some really good horses, but most of the good horses I have come across have been older horses where there is a general hole for those middle-distance types.

“For potential, though, he is the most exciting horse I have been involved with. We’re coming to the end of his three-year-old campaign and we still don’t really know what he is which is the exciting bit.”

Economics was a taking winner
Economics after winning at Newbury earlier this year (PA)

This venture to the Irish capital is leg one of an ambitious ‘Champion Stakes double’ Economics is seeking this autumn, with the Somerville Lodge runner also slated to run at Ascot on Qipco British Champions Day.

Only six horses have won both races in the same year and Marquand is well aware the might of Ballydoyle is standing in the way of the first hurdle, as his charge attempts to become the first British-trained winner since Roaring Lion in 2018.

“It’s a tough race, but it’s the Irish Champion Stakes, it’s meant to be,” continued Marquand.

“It’s no easy task by any means to go over to Ireland and win, but some others have been over in the past and managed it. He will need to be every bit as good as we hope he is – and maybe even a little bit more to win.

“It’s fantastic for Sheikh Isa and his family to have a horse in the race that they sponsor. They put so much into racing and to be rewarded with a horse with a real live chance in a race they have heavily invested in is great.”

Aidan O'Brien has a great record in this race
Aidan O’Brien has a great record in this race (Damien Eagers/PA)

O’Brien has won this a record 12 times and the master of Ballydoyle saddles half the field as he seeks to extend his winning run to six straight years.

His two most recent winners, Luxembourg and Auguste Rodin, take part once again, and are joined by Irish Derby winner Los Angeles and Hans Andersen.

On Los Angeles, O’Brien said: “It will be interesting. He’s won around Leopardstown and it was soft ground when he won, but he’s a deceiving horse as he’s lazy and when he gets the front he doesn’t do much, so it’s just hard to assess him.

“For us, we’ll learn a lot about him in this race because there’ll be a strong, even pace and we will learn what kind of middle-distance type horse he’s going to be.”

Auguste Rodin bounced back from King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes disappointment when outbattling Luxembourg 12 months ago and O’Brien is backing the defending champion to return to his very best after hitting another bump in the road at Ascot in late July.

Auguste Rodin (left) and Luxembourg fight out the finish to last year's Irish Champion Stakes
Auguste Rodin (left) and Luxembourg fight out the finish to last year’s Irish Champion Stakes (Damien Eagers/PA)

“He’s one of those horses who just about gets a mile and a half, but over a mile and a quarter he has loads of class,” O’Brien told Betfred TV.

“We’ve been very happy with him since Ascot, his work has been very good. He worked with a lot of zest the last day and we’re looking forward to seeing him run again.”

There is an international flavour to the contest provided by Japanese Arc hopeful Shin Emperor who will tune-up for ParisLongchamp by trying to add another major overseas prize to his handler Yoshito Yahagi’s stellar CV.

Along with Economics, Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter and Karl Burke’s Royal Rhyme will form the British raiding party having finished third and sixth respectively behind City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International Stakes.

Ghostwriter has been consistent all season
Ghostwriter has been consistent all season (Tim Goode/PA)

For Ghostwriter, that York third was the latest strong performance in an excellent campaign and despite yet to gain the victory his efforts have deserved, his reputation is yet to be diminished.

“He’s ran very consistently right from the very beginning of the season,” said Cox.

“He continues to please me at home, his well-being and mannerisms show he’s in excellent form with himself. He’s run admirably against City Of Troy throughout this season, especially in his last run at York.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Economics and Auguste Rodin remain on collision course

/in /by

Economics and Auguste Rodin are among 12 high-class contenders left in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at the confirmation stage for Saturday’s Leopardstown showpiece.

Trained by William Haggas and Aidan O’Brien respectively, Economics will be having his first start at Group One level, while in contrast last year’s winner Auguste Rodin is in search of his seventh Group One triumph.

O’Brien also retains the option of Irish Derby hero Los Angeles, 2022 winner Luxembourg, Continuous and Hans Andersen.

Auguste Rodin (left) beats Luxembourg in last year's Irish Champion Stakes
Auguste Rodin (left) beats Luxembourg in last year’s Irish Champion Stakes (Damien Eagers/PA)

Japanese raider Shin Emperor adds further spice, with Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter and Karl Burke’s Royal Rhyme furthering the British challenge.

A strong French contingent is in prospect, with Zarakem and Facteur Cheval left in by Jerome Reynier, while Metropolitan, the French 2000 Guineas winner, is still possible for Mario Baratti.

The first of six Group Ones across the two-day Irish Champions Festival is the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes, for which 14 fillies have stood their ground.

Donnacha O’Brien’s Porta Fortuna will line up chasing a Group One hat-trick after landing the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Falmouth at Newmarket, while the Burke-trained Fallen Angel – who beat Porta Fortuna in the Moyglare Stud Stakes 12 months ago – is set to make her first appearance since claiming Classic glory in the Irish 1,000 Guineas in May.

George Boughey’s Soprano could also travel from Britain, Jancis is set to put her unbeaten record on the line for Willie McCreery and Aidan O’Brien will rely on Ylang Ylang.

Sunday’s Curragh card is centred around the Comer Group International Irish St Leger, in which Ballydoyle’s star stayer Kyprios takes top billing.

The six-year-old was a beaten odds-on favourite when defending his crown in last year’s renewal, but has reestablished himself as the top dog in the division by winning each of his four starts this season, including big-race victories in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and the Goodwood Cup.

He might not have things all his own way this weekend, with his high-class stablemate Continuous among his potential rivals along with Marco Botti’s Giavellotto and the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban.

Bradsell and jockey Hollie Doyle after winning the Nunthorpe at York
Bradsell and jockey Hollie Doyle after winning the Nunthorpe at York (Mike Egerton/PA)

Archie Watson’s dual Group One winner Bradsell heads the British challenge for the Group One Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes, with George Boughey’s Believing and Ken Condon’s defending champion Moss Tucker also among the 20 contenders.

Aidan O’Brien is responsible for six of the eight fillies in the mix for the Moyglare Stud Stakes, with the unbeaten Bedtime Story the likely favourite.

Promising stern opposition though are the Ger Lyons-trained course and distance winner Red Letter and Simmering, who has been supplemented by Ollie Sangster after winning a Group Three at Ascot and a Group Two in France on her last two starts.

O’Brien’s Henri Matisse heads a potential field of 10 runners in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes. The dual Group Two winner could be joined by stable companions Rock Of Cashel and The Parthenon, while Joseph O’Brien has both Cowardofthecounty and Scorthy Champ in the mix.

Hill Road is another worthy participant for Adrian Murray, while Charlie Appleby has supplemented the Vintage Stakes winner Aomori City, meaning he could head a British trio comprising of Wolf Of Badenoch and Seagulls Eleven, both trained by Hugo Palmer.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Ghostwriter could be Leopardstown-bound next month

/in /by

The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes is “under consideration” for Ghostwriter, as connections consider all options following his excellent effort behind City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.

Clive Cox’s son of Invincible Spirit is yet to add to his success as a juvenile this term, but has not let his connections down in four high-class performances in the best of company.

After brave efforts on unsuitably soft ground in both the French Derby and when third to City Of Troy in the Coral Eclipse, he got the chance to rematch Aidan O’Brien’s superstar son of Justify on a preferred quicker surface on the Knavesmire.

Ghostwriter (left) has faced off against City Of Troy on three occasions this term
Ghostwriter (left) has faced off against City Of Troy on three occasions this term (Steven Paston for the Jockey Club/PA)

Although unable to turn the tables, he ran with real credit to finish on the podium in a race that smashed Sea The Stars’ 10-furlong course record.

Owned by Jeff Smith, the Ghostwriter team are still to completely pin their colours to a particular mast preferring to take stock and consider all options.

However, it appears he will remain at 10 furlongs for his next start, meaning a trip to Leopardstown during the Irish Champions Festival will come into the equation and, although an all-star cast is probable in Dublin, Breeders’ Cup-bound City Of Troy is unlikely to be involved.

Clive Cox was delighted with the performance of Ghostwriter at York
Clive Cox was delighted with the performance of Ghostwriter at York (John Walton/PA)

“We were very pleased with the performance and it was nice to see him have the chance to run on his preferred ground,” said Cox.

“It was an amazing race and I was very pleased with his performance. He’s run a super race and I think he confirmed 10 furlongs is his trip at the moment.

“I’m pleased with the way he has come out of the race and we will give him another week to see where we are and speak with Jeff and plan our way forwards from here according on ground really.

“He’s in the Irish Champion Stakes and that is a race under consideration and we just have to see how he is in the time being, along with the weather.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Diego Velazquez stays unbeaten at Leopardstown

/in /by

Diego Velazquez maintained his unbeaten record in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown, although he was made to work reasonably hard by stablemate Capulet as Irish Champions Festival weekend got under way.

Bought for 2,400,000 guineas from the Tattersalls Book One sale in October, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Frankel colt had impressed on his debut at the Curragh, winning by almost five lengths.

Sent off the 8-15 favourite under Ryan Moore to enhance his reputation, he looked to be in the perfect position to strike three furlongs from home in the Group Two affair.

However, Moore soon had to get more serious, with Seamie Heffernan appearing to have more up his sleeve in front on Capulet.

But showing a good attitude when asked, Diego Velazquez began to hit top gear and by the line had half a length in hand over Capulet, in a race won last year by Auguste Rodin.

Coral go 8-1 about Diego Velazquez emulating Auguste Rodin in next year’s Derby, and 16-1 for the Guineas.

“We’re very happy. We liked the second horse a lot and we knew we needed something to take him and stretch him a little bit,” said O’Brien.

“They didn’t go very fast for the first half and turned it on from halfway so he learned a lot.

“Ryan was delighted, he said he had to catch hold of him and make him learn. He’s still a baby.

“We were surprised the first day that he ran in the Curragh how babyish he was, he never took a hold of the bridle.

“Today he was green as well, but a lot better. We think the race will leave him in a very good place.

“I’d imagine he’ll go for the Futurity Trophy (Doncaster), that’s what we thought he would do.

“We think he’s going to step up loads from it, but we were very happy with what he did today.

Diego Velazquez was made to work hard
Diego Velazquez was made to work hard (Damien Eagers/PA)

“The plan was to come here and then go to Doncaster.

“We did it with Auguste Rodin last year, but we knew this horse had to learn a lot more than Auguste did last year.

“He was extra green at the Curragh and we knew unless he was going to learn a lot this time it was going to be very hard to pitch him into a good race after that. We think he will.”

On the runner-up he added: “He’s a good horse. He won first time at Dundalk and we liked him. He’s out of a good Galileo mare and we thought he was a fair horse.

“Seamus liked him a lot today. He’s a typical Justify, the minute you go beyond seven furlongs they seem to grow another leg. They are really classic-bred middle-distance horses and you’d have to be really happy with him also.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Team Amo taking aim at Irish Champions Festival

/in /by

It is poised to be a huge weekend for owners Amo Racing as their high-class colts King Of Steel and Bucanero Fuerte fly the flag at the Irish Champions Festival.

The purple silks of Kia Joorabchian’s racing operation have become a regular sight in some of the calendar’s biggest races and will be front and centre at both Leopardstown and the Curragh respectively during a top-class weekend of racing in Ireland.

It is the Roger Varian’s King Of Steel who gets the first shot at glory and the Royal Ascot winner, who has made the podium in both the Derby at Epsom and the King George, finds himself at the top of the market for Saturday’s Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes in Dublin.

“It’s a very exciting time of the year and to be going to the Irish Champions Festival with two live contenders in two Group Ones is what we’ve been striving for over the last 18 months,” said Tom Pennington, racing and operations manager for the owners.

King Of Steel spreadeagled his rivals at Royal Ascot
King Of Steel spreadeagled his rivals at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

“It’s a culmination of real hard work from everyone involved, we’re excited and I know the boss is really looking forward to it.”

Having enjoyed his finest moments up at a mile and a half, the son of Wootton Bassett will be dropping back to 10 furlongs at Leopardstown.

But connections are confident King Of Steel has all the attributes to thrive in his latest assignment.

“We’ve been looking for an option to drop King Of Steel back to 10 furlongs all year, but so far it has just not presented itself and we’re very much looking forward to it,” continued Pennington.

Auguste Rodin (left) just got the better of King Of Steel at Epsom and the pair will meet again
Auguste Rodin (left) just got the better of King Of Steel at Epsom and the pair will meet again (David Davies/PA)

“There’s no such thing as an easy Group One, but we’ve been waiting for this race to present itself.

“The horse is in great form, I saw him at the weekend and he did a routine piece of work and did it very nicely and let’s hope he gets there in one piece now.”

Bucanero Fuerte will always hold a special place in Amo Racing folklore having provided the owners with a first Group One success when winning the Phoenix Stakes last month.

Also sired by Wootton Bassett, it was the youngster’s second successive Group-level victory having also finished third in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot before that.

Now Adrian Murray’s talented youngster will attempt to extend his winning thread as he steps up to seven furlongs for the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

Pennington said: “He has always been a strong stayer at six furlongs and looks as if he’s been crying out for seven. His last furlong has been his best in his last in his last couple of races.

“At the beginning of the season he was a big frame of a horse with an engine, now he is really maturing into the horse we hoped he would.”

If Bucanero Fuerte is to add another big-race victory he will have to lower the colours of Aidan O’Brien’s City Of Troy, who is currently odds-on at the head of the betting.

The imposing son of Justify made it two from two in imperious style in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket – and connections of Bucanero Fuerte are under no illusion they have a mammoth task on their hands.

“Bucanero Fuerte does like to get his toe in, but we wouldn’t be overly concerned stepping up to seven – the one concern we do have is obviously City Of Troy,” added Pennington.

“You can’t be frightened of one horse, but what he did at Newmarket, to the eye, was visually impressive.

“We know he will take a lot of beating, but we think we’re going there with a live chance.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Clover eyeing Matron mission for Rogue Millennium

/in /by

Having provided Tom Clover with a first Royal Ascot success earlier in the season, Rogue Millennium will attempt to break new ground once again when she heads to Leopardstown during the Irish Champions Festival.

Neither Clover or owners the Rogues Gallery have ever had a runner in Ireland, but that will all change when their star filly bids for Group One glory in the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes.

The daughter of Dubawi has been an ultra-consistent performer this term and having successfully dropped back to a mile at the Royal meeting, she will continue to ply her trade over that distance despite failing to figure in her most recent outing in Deauville.

Her handler is under no illusion about the task at hand, with possible rivals including Dermot Weld’s Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Tahiyra.

However, Clover has been encouraged by what he has seen on the gallops and is hoping she can hit the frame in her latest big-race objective.

He said: “We’ve got her in three races and at the moment she’s in really good form and we’re looking at going for the Matron. Fingers crossed for a smooth run and there is a good chance she will line up at Leopardstown.

“She’s been terrific for the Rogues Gallery, who have been massive supporters of the yard and it would be nice if she can continue the journey we’ve been on so far.

“It will be nice if we can pick up some Group One black type, that would be terrific, but if she doesn’t then she owes us nothing, she has been an absolute superstar.

Rogue Millennium (right) on her way to Royal Ascot glory
Rogue Millennium (right) on her way to Royal Ascot glory (John Walton/PA)

“She seems in very good form. It’s very hard to get a Group One, they are obviously very competitive, but she’s been training nicely so hopefully she has a squeak.”

September could prove a big month for the Newmarket-based handler and the Rogues Gallery syndicate as another of their charges, Rogue Lightning, is on course for a step up in class at Doncaster’s St Leger Festival.

The son of Kodiac was placed at Listed level as a juvenile before losing his way slightly, but has been transformed since being gelded and dropping back to the minimum distance, winning his last two starts.

Now up to a rating of 107, Clover is eyeing a run at Listed level in the Betfred Scarbrough Stakes on September 17, while inspired by Live In The Dream’s shock Nunthorpe triumph recently, the Kremlin House trainer has handed the three-year-old a lofty big-race entry for ParisLongchamp later in the autumn.

Rogue Lightning winning in the colours of the Rest of the World during Ascot's Shergar Cup meeting
Rogue Lightning winning in the colours of the Rest of the World during Ascot’s Shergar Cup meeting (Steven Paston/PA)

“He’s a horse we have always liked and the owners have been very patient with him,” continued Clover.

“He lost his way a bit at the back-end of last year and the early part of this year, but gelding him and dropping him back to five furlongs seems to have really helped.

“He is up to 107 now, so it is certainly worth having a crack at stakes company and I would imagine we might look at the Scarbrough Stakes, all being well.

“It makes sense to go back to where he has been victorious and hopefully he can remain in good form and go and run a nice race again at Doncaster.

“I did actually stick him in the Abbaye because everyone saw the Nunthorpe winner (Live In The Dream) was rated 107 and we’ve got the same mark. He’s a really quick horse, so it’s nice to have the option.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Highfield Princess looking to fly high in Curragh defence

/in /by

Highfield Princess is firmly on course to defend her crown the Flying Five Stakes in Ireland next weekend, having come close in her bid for back-to-back wins in the Nunthorpe at York.

John Quinn’s superstar sprinting mare completed a hat-trick of Group One wins last season, with her Nunthorpe and Flying Five victories following success in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

Having opened her account for the current campaign in dominant style at Goodwood, the six-year-old was a hot favourite to win her second Nunthorpe on the Knavesmire, but had to settle for the runner-up spot behind the front-running Live In The Dream.

Highfield Princess produced arguably her most impressive performance to date in the Flying Five 12 months ago, and Quinn is looking forward to seeing her return to the Curragh on September 10 for day two of the Irish Champions Festival.

“She’s come out of York well, touch wood she seems fine,” said the Malton-based trainer.

“We’re just ticking her over and all being well we’ll head to Ireland a week on Sunday. There’s no reason to change the plan just because she got beaten.”

John Quinn at the Curragh last season
John Quinn at the Curragh last season (Donall Farmer/PA)

Following her Flying Five triumph last season Highfield Princess was saved for a trip to the Breeders’ Cup, where she performed admirably in defeat in finishing fourth.

But whether she returns to America this year is open to question, with Quinn eyeing an appearance on Arc weekend in Paris on October 1.

He added: “All being well, if she comes out of the Curragh well, we’d like to run her in the Abbaye and we’ll see from there.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

White Birch poised for return to action at Leopardstown

/in /by

Derby third White Birch is set to return to the track at Leopardstown during the Irish Champions Festival following a mid-season break.

Trained by John Murphy, the colt acquitted himself with real credit in the first half of the season and it was at Leopardstown where he won the Ballysax Stakes on his seasonal bow before podium finishes in both the Dante and the Derby at Epsom.

The only blot in the son of Ulysses’ copybook came when misfiring at the Curragh in the Irish Derby prior to his break, but he is now reported to be in rude health ahead of his impending return to the track.

He holds entries in Leopardstown’s Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes and the Prix Niel at ParisLongchamp, but connections are favouring the Group Three Paddy Power Stakes at the Dublin track for White Birch’s comeback outing.

“He’s in super shape and he’s had a couple of weeks of a break,” said George Murphy, assistant trainer to his father.

“We’re just building him up slowly to run probably next weekend. He’s in the Champion Stakes, the Kilternan Stakes (Paddy Power Stakes) and the Prix Niel in France.

“There’s no concrete plan which we will go for next, but he will run in one of those races.

“I think at the moment it is likely we will go to the Kilternan Stakes.”

White Birch has plied his trade at the highest level in his most recent outings, contesting Classics on both sides of the Irish sea.

However, he will be dropping back to Group Three company if contesting the Paddy Power Stakes, with Murphy explaining it is the mile-and-a-half distance that is the biggest determining factor when selecting the horse’s next target.

He added: “There is going to be nothing easy about a race on Champions Weekend, but I think a mile and a half is his most suitable trip and it just happens to be a Group Three.

“That’s the race that suits him that weekend other than the Prix Niel in France which he also has the option of as well.”

White Birch’s appearances are set to be limited this autumn as his training team already have one eye on a four-year-old campaign.

However, there is the possibility the colt may take an enterprising trip to Germany before the end of the season for a crack at Munich’s Grosser Preis von Bayern in early November, a Group One contest won two years ago by Sir Mark Prescott’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Alpinista.

“He’s entered in the Grosser Preis von Bayern and there is the potential he may go there – that’s a bit later in the year,” said Murphy.

“There’s a couple of other races but we’re probably not going to over-race him in the autumn.

“He’s grown quite a lot and we’re kind of looking forward to next year with him really.

“There’s a nice programme throughout the year for older horses and he’s shown throughout this year he is more than happy to travel. He should have a big future next year, please God.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Murtagh set to aim big with Cadeau Belle next week

/in /by

Johnny Murtagh is planning to pitch the lightly-raced Cadeau Belle into Group One company in next week’s Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

The three-year-old looked progressive in winning her first two starts, in a Gowran maiden and a Navan Listed heat, before being upped to Group Three level for the Valiant Stakes at Ascot in July.

Sent off the 15-8 favourite that day, Cadeau Belle was keen from the off and eventually finished last of the nine runners in the mile affair.

Murtagh hopes the application of a hood can help manage her eager attitude and is favouring sending the daughter of Harry Angel for the top-level event, rather than taking up her alternate entry in the Group Two Dullingham Park Stakes.

He said: “I’m not sure what happened to her the last time, I really fancied her going to Ascot. (Jamie) Spencer said she was too keen and boiled over at the start, she has a hood on now so I think we might go for the Matron.

“I know it’s going to be a good race, but it’s the kind of race I had in mind all the time. We will probably let her take her chance there.

“She’s been working well again, the hood is on and that should help her relax.”

Ladies Church (left) is on course for the Flying Five
Ladies Church (left) is on course for the Flying Five (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ladies Church could also fly the Group One flag for the yard in the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Flying Five Stakes.

The four-year-old was a Group Two winner last year but has yet to sparkle in three runs this term, with Murtagh thinking soft ground had gone against her twice while last week’s Nunthorpe had a lightning early pace.

The trainer said: “I ran her on soft ground twice this year and she didn’t really like it. I fancied her a little bit going to York last week but they went so fast she never really got on the bridle. She will go for the Flying Five.”

Mashhoor recorded a hat-trick earlier in the season, taking the notable scalp of Al Riffa in the Group Three International Stakes, but he found it tough going in the York Stakes on his latest run, coming last of five – albeit beaten just four lengths by Alflaila.

The five-year-old will now switch back up in trip for the Paddy Power Stakes.

Mashhoor was a Curragh winner earlier in the campaign
Mashhoor was a Curragh winner earlier in the campaign (Brian Lawless/PA)

Murtagh said: “Mashhoor is going to run in the mile-and-a-half Group Three at Leopardstown. He has a 3lb penalty and I know it will be tough, but he’s in good form and came out of the race at York really well.”

Angels Wrath and Take Heart are both in the mix for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF ‘Northfields’ Handicap over 10 furlongs, with Murtagh rating the latter as one of his best chances of victory at the two-day Irish Champions Festival.

He said: “Take Heart is a nice horse in the mile-and-a-quarter Northfields Handicap at the Curragh. I think he’s rated 92, he’s a three-year-old who might sneak in at the bottom of it. I think he’d be one of our better chances – he’s really going well at the moment.

“Angels Wrath will run in the mile-and-a-quarter handicap on the Sunday. She’s been Listed-placed and we’re trying to get a stakes win with her, it’s just tough. She’s 96 rated and I think maybe the mile-and-a-quarter handicap will suit her well.”

Kerkiyra (right) was an Irish Champions Weekend winner in 2022
Kerkiyra (right) was an Irish Champions Weekend winner in 2022 (Brian Lawless/PA)

Kerkiyra holds an entry over the big weekend, but Murtagh has another target in mind for the four-year-old, who won the ‘Northfields’ last year.

He said: “I was going to run in the mile-and-a-quarter handicap but I might keep her for the Group Three the following week in Gowran, the Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes.

“She stayed to try to get a stakes win with her. She ran well the first time but it knocked the stuffing out of her a bit and it’s taken a while, so she’s coming back and is hopefully capable of winning a Listed race.”

Shartash, winner of last year’s Railway Stakes, is another who will be looking away from the Irish showpiece event, with a Curragh trip later in September on the cards after he fluffed the start in the Phoenix Sprint recently.

Murtagh said: “Shartash messed up the last time in the stalls, I thought he might win the last day and then go to the Haydock Sprint Cup. We might keep him for the Renaissance, a Group Three.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns