1.50 LEOPARDSTOWN ‘SUMMER BUNDLE’ MAIDEN 1M
Much of the focus in this race is likely to be on the Aidan O’Brien-trained Music Box as the daughter of Invincible Spirit and her connections have fallen foul of Rule 212 after making a very promising debut in a mile maiden at Dundalk last week. While she was banned for 42 days on that occasion, an appeal has been lodged which allows her to run in this and, while her draw is far from ideal, a bold bid should be forthcoming from her. A horse with an even wider draw that warrants respect is the Jessica Harrington-trained World War Tax, the son of Acclamation having made a promising debut at this track in October.
Selection: MUSIC BOX
Next best: World War Tax
2.20 LEOPARDSTOWN 2000 GUINEAS TRIAL STAKES (LISTED) 1M
This is a really interesting contest that brings together some very promising starterss. Ger Lyons has made a fast start to the new season and he saddles an interesting sort in Glastonbury Song. The son of Casamento made an impressive start to his career in a maiden at Dundalk and is bred to improve as a three-year-old. He is likely to run well. Another maiden winner that catches the eye is the Jim Bolger-trained Zorion, with the son of Smart Strike having won a maiden at Roscommon by 6½l.
Selection: GLASTONBURY SONG
Next best: Zorion
2.55 BALLYLICH STUD 1000 GUINEAS TRIAL STAKES (GROUP 3) 7F
This is another excellent contest with no fewer than three fillies that are rated over 110, including four of the five home in last year’s renewal of the Moyglare Stud Stakes. With every runner in the field making their seasonal reappearance, the market will be very informative, but without that benefit, a chance is taken that the Joseph O’Brien-trained Intricately will be better suited to this seven-furlong trip at this stage than her main rivals. Of the potential improvers, the best may yet to be seen of the Michael O’Callaghan-trained Holy Cat and she shouldn’t be underestimated.
Selection: INTRICATELY
Next best: Holy Cat
3.25 LEOPARDSTOWN FAMILY RACEDAY HANDICAP 7F
Preference is given to the Fozzy Stack-trained Gino Severini. The son of Fastnet Rock made a winning seasonal reappearance in the Madrid Handicap at Naas despite getting caught very wide with no cover from what was a poor draw. He appeals as being better than that bare form suggests and as he is better drawn in this contest, it wouldn’t surprise to see him follow up. Another one with the benefit of race fitness is the Pat Martin-trained Lady Rosebud and, while this is a step up in class for her, she should be capable of competing as she bids to complete a hat-trick.
Selection: GINO SEVERINI
Next best: Lady Rosebud
4.00 P.W.MCGRATH MEMORIAL BALLYSAX STAKES (GROUP 3) 1M 2F
Another highly intriguing trial and another real poser presented by three evenly matched colts trained by Aidan O’Brien making their seasonal reappearances. Ryan Moore rides the regally-bred Yucatan (by Galileo out of the top-class racemare Six Perfections) and his second-place finishes to Capri in the Beresford Stakes and to Rivet in the Racing Post Trophy stamped him as a high-class performer. That Moore rides him is a positive and he looks to have very strong prospects. The biggest danger to the selection outside of his stable mates looks to be the Jim Bolger-trained Dubai Sand, with the son of Teofilo having won the Eyrefield Stakes on his final start of last season.
Selection: YUCATAN
Next best: Dubai Sand
4.35 BULMERS LIVE AT LEOPARDSTOWN HANDICAP 1M 2F
This contest is choc-full of potential improvers and the Joseph O’Brien-trained Family Crest is the tentative choice. The son of Fastnet Rock shaped with promise on his handicap debut at Dundalk last month and this longer trip could well bring about the necessary improvement to see him make a bold bid. Of the handicap debutants, the Dermot Weld-trained Young Special is interesting in first-time blinkers.
Selection: FAMILY CREST
Next best: Young Special
5.05 LEOPARDSTOWN SUMMER MEMBERSHIP HANDICAP 1M
The Irish Lincoln form often stands up well in the weeks following on and the main representative of that form in this contest is the Paul Deegan-trained Aussie Valentine. The six-year-old ran a stormer to finish second to Brendan Brackan at Naas last time and a repeat of that effort will make him hard to beat off a 2lb higher mark. One that is sure to be a focus of attention is the Aidan O’Brien-trained De Coronado. The four-year-old is a full-brother to the great Zenyatta and last year was reported to weigh an astounding 620kg. While he disappointed on his debut over a mile-and-a-half, he showed much-improved form to win a mile maiden at Dundalk in August. He has the potential to be better again as a four-year-old and market support for him on his handicap debut would be very interesting.
Selection: AUSSIE VALENTINE
Next best: De Coronado